Senate to investigate ‘appalling closing the gap complacency’

By PETER ROWE

A Senate Select Committee, chaired by WA Greens Senator Dorinda Cox, has been established to investigate and report on the challenges in achieving Closing the Gap targets.

Senator Cox said, a proud Yamatji Noongar woman, said she was concerned about “ongoing regression” in meeting the targets and believed this committee will get the opportunity to confront the failures full-on.

“Closing the Gap is not just a framework; it’s a commitment to our communities,” Senator Cox said.

Senator Dorinda Cox will chair the Senate Select Committee. (AAP)

“The current regression in key targets is unacceptable and year after year we are presenting reports they are failing, with no solutions that can save lives.

“What we know is that the gaps are not closing, and, in fact, some are widening.

“I am appalled by the lack of accountability, complacency from government departments, and business-as-usual, government-knows-best approach to First Nations communities.”

The committee will look at a number of areas of concern, including the rates of suicide, the number of children in out-of-home care, adult incarceration and the number of children commencing school who are developmentally on track.

Funding of targets and how they are measured is one priority of the committee as is partnership agreements, First Nations culture, wellbeing, mental and physical health and alternative measures to add to or compliment what is already in place.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd signs the statement of intent aimed to close the 17-year life expectancy gap between indigenous and non indigenous Australians in 2008. (AAP Image/Alan Porritt)

“Our priority must be promoting holistic health—mental, physical, and spiritual—within our communities,” senator Cix told ibnews.con.au.

“This inquiry can pave the way for a more effective framework that sees our targets progressing, rather than heading backwards.”

Submissions have been granted an extension until February 28,  next year and the committee will present their final report by May 30.