Category Archives: National Congress

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May 15 2013

NACCHO 2013 budget alert: National Congress welcomes the commitment to continue existing levels of support

Press Conf

NACCHO and National Congress sharing a major press conference at Parliament House

National Congress notes the significant spending on Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander programs and looks forward to working with the government of the day on furthering our Peoples issues.

“We welcome additional funds in this Budget that are being provided under certain programs, given the tough measures applied across government expenditure,” said Congress Co-Chair, Les Malezer.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should take confidence from the commitment to continue existing levels of support through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs and services.

“However, all Governments must continue to look for ways reduce duplication of services and complexity of grant administration as these will continue to be obstacles for addressing disadvantage for our Peoples,” he said.

Congress will continue to analyse the budget but key points include:

 Health: $777 million commitment to the National Partnership Agreement in health.

NACCHO , Congress, our members and our Close the Gap partners will continue to work with the Federal, State and Territory governments to secure a national agreement and to implement the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan.

NACCHO notes that as at May 15 we are still awaiting the fine details

SEE NACCHO PRESS RELEASE

Education:  9.8 billion Gonski funding.

Congress welcomes the extra money from this funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The extra funding for the Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (11.9 million over 4 years) will help improve retention rates and we also note the funds for the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (10 million).

 Justice:

$12 million extra over 2 years for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services.  The budget however has not delivered a clear commitment to Justice Reinvestment programs.

“Congress has called for Justice Targets as part of Closing the Gap and the increased funding for ALS will contribute towards those goals but we will continue to call for Justice Reinvestment and stronger commitments from States and Territories,” said Co-Chair Jody Broun.

“The government has also made a clear commitment to working with Congress and ensuring our role as a strong independent representative body is maintained by continuing funding till 2017 of $15million.”

Apr 17 2013

NACCHO Close the Gap campaign political alert:Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health – ongoing commitment from all Australian governments is vital

 

Mick

“Five years ago all sides of politics agreed to do something about the national disgrace that sees Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people die more than 10 years younger than the broader Australian community,” Campaign Co- Chair Mick Gooda pictured above said

Close the Gap

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health must be placed on the agenda for this Friday’s COAG meeting if there is to be any hope of closing the life expectancy gap by 2030, the Close the Gap Campaign said today.

 “Five years ago all sides of politics agreed to do something about the national disgrace that sees Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people die more than 10 years younger than the broader Australian community,” Campaign Co- Chair Mick Gooda said.

 “While the 2008 COAG meeting saw federal, state and territory governments commit to long term funding for services and programs though the National Partnership Agreement, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health is absent from this Friday’s COAG meeting agenda.

 “We know that the policies and programs resulting from these 2008 COAG commitments are starting to bear fruit and make a real difference on the ground; for example, mortality rates for under five-year-old Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are falling,” Mr Gooda said.

 “But the life expectancy gap remains just as unacceptable today as it was back then and I know that most of those attending COAG this Friday agree with me.”

 The National Partnership Agreement which has driven efforts to close the gap in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes is set to expire at the end of June 2013. Despite Federal Government indications that it will continue funding its share of the Agreement, state and territory governments have not yet signed up to the Agreement  leaving some services and programs in real doubt as to whether they can continue to provide badly needed services beyond 30 June.

 Campaign Co Chair Jody Broun said governments of all persuasions owed it to the rest of the country to maintain their efforts to close the life expectancy gap by 2030.

 jody-broun-200x0

“There’s no doubt that nothing short of ongoing funding and commitment to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from all levels of government is what’s needed to keep on track,” Ms Broun said.

“State, territory and federal governments need to continue working together to fund more services and programs that make a real difference to health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“We have to maintain our efforts to improve access to critical chronic disease services and to deliver anti-smoking measures, more affordable medicines and healthy lifestyle programs. We need to support and build capacity in our Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and we need to build on the inroads already made by our child and maternal health services,” she said.

“We need more Aboriginal health workers, allied health professionals, doctors, nurses and health promotion workers.

“A recommitment from state, territory and federal governments at this Friday’s COAG meeting is needed to quite literally save lives.”

For Mick Gooda, please contact Louise McDermott on 0419 258 597

For Jody Broun, please contact Liz Willis on 0457877408

Mar 20 2013

NACCHO Press Release:Aboriginal Community Controlled Health vital to closing the gap

Justin Low res.

On National Close the Gap Day it’s critical political leaders around the country recognise the importance of supporting Aboriginal Community Controlled Health as the key mechanism for improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

DOWNLOAD the full release here

 Justin Mohamed, Chair of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), said it was widely acknowledged that culturally appropriate healthcare services make a real difference.

 “Healthcare services provided by Aboriginal people for Aboriginal people must continue to be supported and invested in if governments are serious about achieving health equality,” Mr Mohamed said.

“The latest Closing the Gap Report released by the Gillard Government last month highlighted the vital role of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health in improving health outcomes in life expectancy and child mortality.

 “Any genuine effort to close the gap on Aboriginal health must have Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations at its core.”

 Mr Mohamed said Aboriginal people were concerned that political leaders had not renewed their funding commitment to the Close the Gap strategy – due to expire in June this year.

 He said Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations are the preferred provider in the delivery and are largely responsible for the health gains showcased in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander National Performance Framework 2012. 

 “It is imperative that governments at state and national level recommit to the objectives of the Close the Gap strategy and renew their funding commitment through the National Partnership Agreements and ensure improved implementation of any new commitment is actioned immediately and into the future. 

 “There are many services and, more importantly, individuals and their families relying on programs that currently have no certainty past June 2013.

 “We are urging the Government to make a significant announcement sooner rather than later.”

 Close the Gap Day on 21 March is being celebrated by tens of thousands of people across Australia to highlight Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and urge government action.

Mar 7 2013

NACCHO supports International Women’s Day (IWD) 2013: congratulates Congress

Jody Broun

Congress recognised as a leader in equality for women The National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples is proud to accept the “Sustaining Women’s Empowerment in Communities and Organisations Gold Award” for our work in advancing women in the workplace and community.

Co-chair, Jody Broun (pictured above ) said, “Congress has recognised the vital need to have women at the forefront of our decision making, it is fundamental to the way we do our business.

“We listened to our people when gender equity was established as a founding – and now an operating – principle of Congress and we urge other Australian companies to do the same.

“The women working within Congress now are part of the long, proud history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who have fought for our Peoples and we honour the achievements and the significant contributions those women have made.

Co-chair Les Malezer said, “In our upcoming elections we expect to see more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women put themselves forward for positions within Congress as delegates, directors or co-chair.

“Congress is a leading example for mainstreaming women and girls in development and more attention is needed to provide girls with leadership ambitions in Aboriginal communities.

“Representation on the Congress Board and Ethics Council is equally divided between men and women, as it is with our delegates and on our youth committee. More than half of our membership is female (58%) and female staff make up three-quarters of our small organisation, with half in senior management roles,” he said  “Congress is built on a platform of unity, that we all have an equal stake and responsibility in current decisions and in our future.

Co-chair Broun concluded, “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls are a fundamental part of the ability of our communities to achieve self-determination and to address the serious issues that face our Peoples.

“I am proud to be the first female elected Co-Chair of Congress and proud that Congress is at the forefront of gender equality not only for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, but for Australian women as a whole.” 

Contact: Liz Willis 0457 877 408

 http://nationalcongress.com.au/congress-recognised-as-leader-in-equality-for-women/

 On International Women’s Day (IWD) 2013, the Australian Centre for Leadership for Women (ACLW) rewards initiatives for the advancement of women in workplaces and in the community. ACLW’s Sustaining Women’s Empowerment in Communities and Organisations (SWECO) Award which commenced in 2011 aims to honour women and men and groups who have developed a sustainable initiative to empower women in a community or organisation.

More info: http://www.leadershipforwomen.com.au/

Nov 27 2012

Supporting mental health and wellbeing to help close the gap:download report card 2012

Congress Co-Chair Jody Broun (picture above) has welcomed the first national mental health report card and its recommendation that that mental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples be included in ‘Closing the Gap’ targets.

 ”The report’s chapter on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples stresses the importance of mental health and wellbeing to extending life expectancy and in reducing early deaths,” said Co-Chair Broun.

Download the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples report here

 ”The necessity of a more holistic approach to Aboriginal health has been a consistent message I have heard during the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan consultations during the past two months.

 ”That is, that health and wellbeing, culture and family are all linked with our physical health.

 ”For example the report highlights what many of us see in our own families and communities – the impact of trauma and grief which contributes to self-harm and high levels of suicide among our people.

 ”At our recent national meeting Congress Members stressed the importance of  access to mental health services, and mental health issues as underlying many of our health and social issues – especially in the justice system.

 ”Congress also supports the National Mental Health Commission’s recommendation that key health groups such as Congress, the National Health Leadership Forum, the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation(NACCHO) , the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation and the Australian Indigenous Psychologists’ Association be central to decision making about health and mental health in Australia,” said Co-Chair Broun.

 ”The information in the report card should also play an important role in informing the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan,” she concluded.

 DOWNLOAD REPORT HERE

Contact: Liz Willis 0457 877 408

Federal Government:FIRST NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH REPORT CARD RELEASED

Minister for Mental Health Mark Butler today welcomed the release of National Mental Health Commission’s first National Report Card on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.

The annual Report Card was a 2010 election commitment of the Gillard Government and forms a central part of the Government’s record $2.2 billion mental health reform plan.

Mr Butler said the Report Card reminds us of the significant needs of an estimated 3.2 million Australians each year who live with a mental health issues, and highlights the importance of the Government’s investments to grow and improve the mental health system.

“We asked the National Mental Health Commission to put Australia’s mental health services under the spotlight to give us insights into service gaps, where governments need to do more and where services are working well,” Mr Butler said.

“The Report Card has highlighted important areas for reform to support better outcomes for people with mental illness in areas such as employment, physical health and housing.”

“The Report Card will be produced by the Commission every year from 2012 onwards and will provide guidance to all governments.”

“The Commission’s work reminds us that meaningful and strategic progress will require partnership between consumers, carers, all governments, NGOs and mental health professionals.”

Mr Butler thanked the Commission, led by Professor Allan Fels, for its work saying the Report Card highlighted key strategic objectives to the overall improvement of the system that supports people with mental illness.

“The Report Card challenges all of us – government, services providers, professionals and the broader community – to better support those living with and recovering from mental illness to live a contributing life.”

The Report card notes the need for all governments to work together and invest in better services for people with mental illness.

“The Gillard Government’s $200 million National Partnership Agreement with the states and territories – which forms part of the national reform plan – has seen a renewed emphasis on the way mainstream services like hospitals and housing respond to the needs of people with mental illness.”

“But the Report Card says there is significant work to be done by states and territories, including to ensure people are not discharged from state-based mental health services and hospitals into homelessness.”

“The Report Card also notes that states and territories need to work on a better, more consistent approach to seclusion, restraint and involuntary treatment.”

Mr Butler said the Gillard Government’s $2.2 billion mental health reform plan was already having an impact on the ground.

“We’re seeing good progress with the rollout of headspace youth mental health services, the online mental health portal, the expansion of the Access to Allied Psychological Services program and more personal helpers and mentors.”

“But what is clear from this Report Card is that there is more road ahead of us than there is behind us and we all need to take up the challenge of working together to build a better service system – a more inclusive society – for people with mental illness.”

Nov 12 2012

National Primary Health Care Conference:Speech National Congress Co Chair Jody Broun:

From transition to action: Integrating primary health and social care

Picture above: Jody Broun recently meeting with Minister Snowdon and NACCHO chair Justin Mohamed

Keynote address to the National Primary Health Care Conference

Jody Broun – Co-Chair National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples

8 November 2012

DOWNLOAD THE FULL SPEECH HERE

Brief Extract

It’s a real pleasure to be invited as a keynote speaker at your conference. Integration in service delivery has been identified continuously as a barrier to improving outcomes, and as such a very valid topic for your discussions.

The 2010 Department of Finance review of Indigenous Expenditure concluded that “whole of government coordination remains a major challenge – Program management and service delivery remains fragmented rather than coordinated, with weak linkages even within agencies, let alone across them…Communication between agencies is too often poor, even where their responsibilities and interests are closely related.”

I would hope that you can resolve some of those issues through your work at this conference and in practice when you get back to your roles in the communities and organisations, and that the current health reforms provide the platform for making change.

Health was identified as the highest priority by members of Congress and I have taken it on as my portfolio – this means I am also co-chair of the National Health Leadership Forum, co-chair of the Close the Gap Steering Committee, and co-chair of the Stakeholder Advisory group driving the development of the new National ATSI health plan

Aug 7 2012

Recognition and leadership are keys to tackling racism

The National Congress says high level leadership to better inform the attitudes and actions of everyday Australians is key to tackling racism in Australia.

Congress Co-Chair Jody Broun said our parliamentarians must provide an example to the Australian people by rejecting legislation, policies and programs that are racially discriminatory.

“Leadership is needed here – obviously from our political leaders but also from organisations like Congress,” said Ms Broun.

“But it’s also up to all individuals as well, we all have a responsibility.

“Congress works for unity, for our peoples and for all Australians and unity cannot be achieved until racism is overcome.

“As a national representative body we do not tolerate, accept, or condone the use of racism or oppression within our structure.

“Congress welcomes the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the anti-racism strategy and we recognise the effects racist behaviour has on our peoples’ cultural pride and identity as well as on physical and mental health.

 ”While there are many forms of racism in Australian society, our peoples have a unique experience of racism driven by the ongoing impact of colonialism and historical disadvantage.

“Congress’s position paper to the National Anti-Racism Partnership and Strategy recognises these systemic causes of racism and its recommendations go to the heart of this,” she said.

Congress submission includes:

-          The importance of leadership: that political and business leaders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, elite sportspeople or people in the media speak out against racism and offer support for Australia’s diversity. 

-          No diminution of the protections in the Racial Discrimination Act. Congress supports the retention of the racial vilification provisions added to the Act in 1995

-          That the constitutional recognition of Australia’s First Peoples and the removal of racially discriminatory clauses in the constitution are fundamental steps in addressing historical and institutional racism.

-          The importance of education programs in schools, communities and workplaces and specifically highlighting cyber racism

-          The necessity of the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in that there is prior and informed consent of First Peoples in the making of laws and policies which affect them, and the embedding human rights standards in legislation.

Congress will work in partnership with the Australian Human Rights Commission on the soon to be released National Anti-Racism Partnership and Strategy.

 See the  full submission on our website:

On this page

http://nationalcongress.com.au/policyandadvocacy/

 Direct document download

http://nationalcongress.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/20120603CongressAntiRacismDiscussionPaper.pdf

Contact: Liz Willis 0457 877 408

Liz Willis Media Manager

National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples

Ph: 02 8070 3100 M: 0457 877 408

Mar 7 2012

Feb 2012 board meeting discussion -National Congress

Ms Jody Broun co chair presented the NACCHO board with an overview of the membership drive for organisations and individuals and an update on how the organisation is building strong relationships with Government and stakeholders.

 Ms Broun briefed the Board of Directors on the work the National Congress has been doing on the Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

 It was agreed a statement of intent would be developed between both organisations and that in future there be a joint meeting of both boards to discuss key health policy issues including the social determinants of health.