- Like writing in the sand: government promises of transformational change fail to eventuate
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children celebrated as leaders of tomorrow
- Key health organisations stand with community sector for urgent climate action
- Champion of truth-telling Sue-Anne Hunter appointed Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People
- Sector Jobs
The NACCHO Sector News is a platform we use to showcase the important work being done in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, focusing on the work of NACCHO, NACCHO members and NACCHO affiliates.
We also share a curated selection of news stories that are of likely interest to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector, broadly.
Like writing in the sand: government promises of transformational change fail to eventuate
The latest Closing the Gap data has backed up earlier reviews showing that, when governments do relinquish total control and share decision-making with First Nations organisations, change is possible.
The latest update from the Productivity Commission found just four of the 19 targets were on track to be met by 2031. Closing the Gap targets are part of a national agreement aimed at reducing First Nations peoples’ disadvantage.
The findings echo those of the Independent Review of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, released in June, which found that governments are falling short in their obligations and need to urgently shift how they work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“Governments need to stop, take stock, and change their approach,” said Pat Turner, NACCHO CEO and lead convenor of the Coalition of Peaks, which represents Aboriginal community-controlled organisations.
“We now have two independent reports telling us the same thing: where our organisations lead and are properly supported, we see progress.
“But when governments fail to meet their commitments, the gap doesn’t just remain, it widens.”
Read the full article here.
NACCHO CEO Pat Turner says when governments share power with First Nations organisations Closing the Gap is possible. Source: AAP / LUKAS COCH/AAPIMAGE
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children celebrated as leaders of tomorrow
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children took centre stage today as communities across the country came together to honour their strength, voice and deep cultural identity on National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day.
Catherine Liddle, CEO of SNAICC – National Voice for our Children, said Children’s Day plays a vital role in recognising, uplifting and raising the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
“It’s a day where our next-generation leaders get to share their culture and celebrate how special they are, how deeply they belong and how important their voice is, now and into the future,” Ms Liddle said.
“Our children carry the world’s oldest living culture. That’s something all Australians should take pride in.
“Celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children is how we protect and grow that legacy.
“We celebrate on August 4 as it has historically been used to communally celebrate the birthdays of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were taken from their families without knowing their birthday – the Stolen Generations.”
Read the full media release here.
Image source: SNAICC – National Voice for our Children
Key health organisations stand with community sector for urgent climate action
Prominent health organisations have joined a call by Australia’s community sector for the Albanese Government to aim for net zero emissions by 2035. A statement signed by 88 organisations says that to protect people and the planet, “waiting until 2050 is too late”.
Signatories to the statement include the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), Consumers Health Forum of Australia, the Australian Health Promotion Association, Public Health Association of Australia, and community health service provider cohealth.
Read more here.
Image source: Croakey Health Media
Champion of truth-telling Sue-Anne Hunter appointed Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People
The federal government has appointed Australia’s first permanent National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People.
Late on Sunday, Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, and Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek, announced Adjunct Professor Sue-Anne Hunter will take on the role, commencing later this year.
A proud Wurundjeri and Ngurai Illum Wurrung woman, Professor Hunter brings more than 20 years of experience in the family services sector, including senior roles at SNAICC – National Voice of Our Children, the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA), and as a social worker.
Read more here.
Sue-Anne Hunter at the tabling of a Yoorrook Justice Commission report in September, 2023. Image: Joel Carrett (AAP).
Sector Jobs – you can see sector job listings on the NACCHO website here.
Advertising Jobs – to advertise a job vacancy click here to go to the NACCHO website current job listings webpage. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find a Post A Job form. You can complete this form with your job vacancy details – it will then be approved for posting and go live on the NACCHO website.
