Close the Gap

We are the generation that will close the gap!

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd apologised to all Indigenous Australians on Wednesday 13th February 2008.  In particular, he apologised to the Stolen Generations for the actions of previous Australian governments. Their assimilation policies destroyed the lives of hundreds and thousands of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people.

The Australian Governments integration and assimilation policies uprooted and (in many cases) destroyed the lives and identity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This transgenerational trauma can be observed through issues we see everyday in the media, including (but not limited to) substance misuse, abuse, suicide, self-harm and deaths in custody.

A statement of intent was released in March 2008 bringing together ideas that were generated at the Indigenous Health Equity Summit that was held at Parliament. Statement of Intent March 2008 Report. The report outlines practical measures to close the Indigenous and non-Indigenous life expectancy gap.  Tom Calma, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Justice Commissioner told The Koori Mail that the key issues include getting more Aboriginal people into health-related professions, improving primary health care and more focused health promotions would be included in the report.

This is directly related to us as future health professionals!  So if you ever feel unmotivated with your studies just remember that - We will be working in the health sector as the GAP CLOSES!!!!

For more information on the Stolen Generations, check out the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Social Justice ‘Bringing Them Home’ website.