Close The Gap
Careers in Aboriginal health to help Close the Gap
Media Release
28-7-2011
“Now is a great time for Aboriginal school students and others to think about a career in Aboriginal health” says Mr Justin Mohamed, Chair of NACCHO*.
“The Health Heroes campaign launched by Minister Warren Snowdon this week is supported by an extensive and easy to use website* about careers in Aboriginal health”, Mr Mohamed said.
“It includes profiles of Aboriginal role models working in Aboriginal health, describes the range of careers available and how to get a job and qualifications.
“It will also be backed up by resources and school visits targeting Aboriginal students, encouraging them to think of a career in Aboriginal health.
“Over 150 Community Controlled Aboriginal Health Services across Australia represented by NACCHO are especially interested in supporting Aboriginal people to have a career in our services.
“Our services are the largest employer of Aboriginal people in Australia yet there are still many unfilled positions. We need more of all the health professions including Aboriginal health workers, nurses, doctors, administrative staff, allied health workers, dental assistants, and dieticians. There are just some of the jobs profiled on the website.
“Having more Aboriginal people working in our services providing culturally appropriate care encourages more of our community members to seek the health care they need. This improves their quality of life and helps to close the gap in health outcomes.
“Our services are also a great place to work with a great community spirit and a shared common goal. Getting an education and qualifications in health leads to a good job, pride in yourself, and a better future for you, your family and our community.
“I’d encourage everyone to have a look at the website and to send on the link, especially to young people wondering what their options are.
A lot of Aboriginal kids don’t know or think, it’s achievable to have a career in health, this campaign begins to dispel this myth”, Mr Mohamed said.
The Health Heroes commercials will run in Aboriginal media outlets but would also be effective if aired on mainstream media where they will also reach the target Aboriginal audience. Reaching and motivating a larger target audience could help to address education and employment disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal Peoples.
* National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO)
** http://www.healthheroes.health.gov.au/
NACCHO Media Contact: Chris Hallett 04 0770 4788
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In December 2007, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to a partnership between all levels of government to work with Indigenous communities to close the gap on Indigenous disadvantage.
The National Indigenous Reform Agreement was established to frame the task of Closing the Gap in Indigenous disadvantage. It sets out the objectives, outcomes, outputs, performance indicators and performance benchmarks agreed by COAG. It also provides links to those National Agreements and National Partnership agreements across COAG which include elements aimed at closing the gap in Indigenous disadvantage.
The foundation of the Closing the Gap Strategy is the identification of and commitment to targets addressing Indigenous disadvantage, and associated building blocks – areas for action.
The six targets for Closing the Gap are:
- To close the life-expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians within a generation.
- To halve the mortality gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and other children under age 5 within a decade.
- To halve the gap in literacy and numeracy achievement between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and other students within a decade.
- To halve the gap in employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within a decade.
- To at least halve the gap in attainment at Year 12 schooling (or equivalent) by 2020.
- To provide all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander four year olds in remote communities with access to a quality pre-school program in five years.
To achieve these targets, COAG agreed to focus on seven Building Blocks, in which investments would deliver an outcome in more than one target area.
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The Close the Gap campaign today welcomed the commitment by both the NSW Government and Opposition to end Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health inequality in the state within a generation.
NSW Premier Kristina Keneally and Opposition Leader, Barry O?Farrell today signed a „Statement of Intent? at a ceremony in the parliamentary chamber, committing the current and future governments to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people.…Read (PDF)
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I acknowledge the First Australians on whose land we meet, and whose cultures we celebrate as one of the oldest continuing cultures in human history.
Mr Speaker, two years ago I made a formal Apology in this Parliament to the Indigenous peoples of Australia, and particularly to the Stolen Generations, on behalf of the Government, the Parliament and the people of Australia.
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Ladies and Gentlemen, first may I thank you all for participating in this wonderful event. I am incredibly excited to be able to address you in regards to Beyond Sport.
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