Failure over the past 40 years to significantly improve the lives of Aboriginal people demands a re-think by political leaders of how the nation is tackling the issue. A fresh bipartisan commitment to change and a long-term plan for engagement are required.

With bipartisan support the 1967 referendum delivered an unprecedented 90% support for change, all major political parties having realised that Aboriginal disadvantage required a concerted effort.

“It’s time for the major parties to renew their commitment, given that not much has changed,” said Executive Director Brian Wyatt.

“Quality of life for indigenous people remains the nation’s greatest shame.

“The recent Oxfam Report on treatment of indigenous people in developed countries put Australia at the bottom of its list:

§         Life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal is 20 years. In New Zealand , Canada and USA it is just 7 years.

§         Infant mortality is three times greater amongst Aboriginal Australians, 50% larger than for indigenous children in NZ and USA .

§         The proportion of indigenous people in Australia expected to reach 65 is lower than for underdeveloped countries like Bangladesh and Nigeria .  

“These are Third World achievements in a so-called First World country, at a time when both State and national economies have huge budget surpluses.

“But while Aboriginal people make up just 3% of the population their needs will continue to get just token attention, unless there is a concerted bi-partisan effort to erase the national shame.”

Meaningful engagement with Aboriginal people in policy development is another required change.

“Government claims that the COAG process is providing this, but the gulf of credibility between government and life on the ground for Aboriginal people is as wide as ever.

“For too long policies have been devised either by bureaucrats remote from real-life communities, or politicians whose horizons extend no further than the next election.

“It is no coincidence that North America and New Zealand ’s success with quality of life improvement for their indigenous people was accompanied by significantly better dialogue and political unanimity.

“Recent calls from some political and Aboriginal leaders in Australia for bipartisan commitment to turning back the disadvantage should be seized upon,” Mr Wyatt said.

Media Contact:  Brian Wyatt 0417 970413;    David Berry 0417 963089, 9263 8715