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from
ANTaR's Indigenous Reference Group
"We are pleased
to introduce the Healing Hands Indigenous Health Rights Campaign. Development
of the campaign is an important response to the health emergency facing
Indigenous Australians.
At a time of record national prosperity the health and
well-being of Indigenous
Australians is slipping further behind that of other Australians.
Australia as a nation cannot accept this.
Urgent resolution of the Indigenous health crisis is
essential, not just for the sake of
individual men, women and children, but for the future of entire Indigenous
communities
across the nation.
Addressing the crisis in Indigenous health requires
holistic approaches that address the
broad context of Indigenous rights and socio-economic disadvantage. Narrow
‘band aid’
solutions have not worked. Resources must be provided on the basis of
need, based on
long-term planning and a move away from inadequate, short-term funding
responses.
All governments must fully honour their commitments
and be accountable for outcomes.
We urge all Australians to get behind this campaign.
This website will help you to find out
the facts for yourself; to raise awareness amongst your friends and colleagues
about
the nature and extent of the Indigenous health crisis; and to direct your
voice to the key
decision-makers."
ANTaR's Indigenous Reference Group:
Patrick Dodson Chair, Lingiari Foundation, Fmr Chair,
Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation
Prof. Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE Fmr Chair, Aboriginal
& Torres Strait Islander Commission
Prof. Mick Dodson AM Prof. of Indigenous Studies, ANU.
Dr. Bill Jonas Former Indigenous Social Justice Commissioner,
HREOC.
Prof. Larissa Behrendt Professor of Law, UTS Sydney.
Sen. Aden Ridgeway Senator for NSW.
Linda Burney MP NSW Legislative Assembly.
Prof. Marcia Langton Professor of Australian Indigenous
Studies, Melbourne University.
Olga Havnen ACOSS Board of Governors, formerly Fred Hollows
Foundation.
Lester Irabinna Rigney Yunggorendi First Nations Centre,
Flinders University.
Peter Yu former Executive Director, Kimberley Land Council.
David Ross Director, Central Land Council.
To view a statement on Indigenous health from the Indigenous
Reference Group published in The Australian on 21 January 2004,
click
here>>
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