Diphtheria a concern for Closing the Gap Joint Council
The 16th meeting of the Joint Council on Closing the Gap expressed concern about the diphtheria outbreaks in the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland, acknowledging the particular risks for First Nations communities when they met on Dharug Country in Sydney on Friday.
Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Malarndirri McCarthy outlined the Commonwealth’s $7.2 million response package and members acknowledged the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled Health Organisations in the response.
Members also observed a moment of silence for Kumanjayi Little Baby and acknowledged the recent passing of Professor Peter Buckskin, a respected leader in Aboriginal education.
WA Minister Don Punch addressed the meeting about the importance of community-led healing after the alleged terror attack in Boorloo, Perth. He affirmed the WA Government’s commitment to truth telling after this immensely traumatising event.
Minister McCarthy noted the parliamentary inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was established in the wake of the attacks in Perth and at Camp Sovereignty in Melbourne and that submissions have been extended until June 1.
Members reaffirmed the need for action from all levels of government, for tangible results under the National Agreement and shared accountability for outcomes.
National Fuel Security Plan
Also acknowledged was the retirement of Pat Turner and reflected on her legacy and impact as former Lead Convenor of the Coalition of Peaks.
The Commonwealth updated members on fuel supply work under the National Fuel Security Plan. Co-Chairs also updated members on the establishment of the Working Group on Fuel, Energy and Food Security in Remote Communities under Clause 64 of the National Agreement.
The disproportionate impact of high cost of fuel, energy and food on First Nations people in regional and remote communities was also discussed and the need for coordinated action to improve affordability, reliability, long- term security and community resilience.
Improving health outcomes
Members heard updates from the Justice Policy Partnership and Early Childhood Care and Development Policy Partnership, including initiatives relating to Targets 11 and 12. Members also noted evaluation findings, including what is working well and areas for strengthening.
In relation to justice, members noted the commitment by Health Ministers to improve health outcomes for First Nations people in prisons with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation leading work to increase ACCHO-led care in prisons and establish standards of care.
The Joint Council response to the Independent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led Review was discussed. The majority of members agreed to implement 11 Partnership Actions to drive system reform under the National Agreement and agreed to publish the response after the meeting.
Members committed to working through remaining Partnership Actions to find an agreed approach to this work as soon as possible, taking into consideration some jurisidictions are further progressed.
