Response to Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage Report
Media Alert – 25 August 2011
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Reconciliation Australia has welcomed the Productivity Commission’s latest Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage: Key Indicators Report which shows there has been improvement in 13 outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples—including employment, home ownership, and educational attainment.
Reconciliation Australia’s new Indigenous Co-Chair, Dr Tom Calma, said that while the data shows mixed results, the report indicates that community-based programs and activities are making a difference.
“Evidence shows that improved results for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples depend on mutually respectful relationships, long term investment, and solutions that are developed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and tailored to the needs and aspirations of individual communities,” Dr Calma said
“A ‘bottom-up’ rather than ‘top-down’ approach with ongoing government support is the best way to improve outcomes for Indigenous Australians."
The report shows that gaps in infant mortality rates have narrowed and that significant improvements have been made in income, home ownership and workforce participation.
Dr Calma said employment plays an important role in closing the life expectancy gap and has acknowledged the positive impact of the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) program.
“The success of the RAP program is based on building good relationships and partnerships that are founded on mutual respect, trust and creating opportunities,” Dr Calma said.
“When businesses recruit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees for business and social reasons, we know the effort will be sustainable.”
While the report shows that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are achieving better results in post-secondary education and that more Indigenous students are completing Year 12—it also shows there has been little change in literacy and numeracy.
Dr Calma added that teaching the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian curriculum could lead to an improvement in literacy and numeracy performance.
“Teaching both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students our languages, culture and history can engage students in other areas, such as literacy and numeracy,” Dr Calma said.
“A shared determination to improve education outcomes is also another important element in creating a level playing field.”
“To close the gaps that exist is a responsibility for all Australians that will take time and continued effort by Governments, private enterprises and Indigenous communities.”
“We all have a part to play in strengthening the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians.”
Media Contacts: Rebecca Gallegos 0411 483 707 rebecca.gallegos@reconciliation.org.au or Kylie Kluger 0418 633 277 kylie.kluger@reconciliation.org.au
