Closing the Gap between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians

Conclusion

The 2009 Budget invests nearly $1.3 billion to underpin the Australian Government’s urgent reform agenda to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

It is central to meeting the targets agreed by the Council of Australian Governments and it builds on the substantial investment and reform agenda agreed by all Australian Governments in 2008 through the five Indigenous specific National Partnerships - in health, housing, early child development, economic participation and remote service delivery.

Better outcomes for Indigenous people, particularly those in urban and regional Australia, will also flow from the $13.2 billion in additional spending committed by governments in universal health, education, training and public housing services over the period to 2012-13.

All Governments will be required to be accountable for the outcomes achieved for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through the Council of Australian Governments Reform Council.

The Budget also reflects the Australian Government’s recognition that boosting Indigenous economic participation is essential to closing the gap. Budget funding will continue the reform of existing employment programs to make them more effective and responsive. It encourages increased involvement from the corporate sector in improving employment opportunities and it paves the way for the implementation of the forthcoming Indigenous Economic Development Strategy.

Additional resources are also being provided to harness the potential of the native title system to expand economic opportunity and deliver long-term, sustainable benefits for more Indigenous people over generations.

To support and encourage the growing Indigenous arts sector, the Budget is funding Indigenous art centres and the development of a Code of Conduct to end unethical practices impeding the industry.

To tackle acute and entrenched disadvantage in remote communities, the Australian, State and Territory Governments, working in a new partnership, will reform the provision and delivery of essential services and infrastructure.

The Budget continues the Government’s strong focus in the Northern Territory to protect children, make communities safer, develop positive social norms to build strong families and communities and boost economic participation — with the aim of moving to a sustainable development phase where people and communities take responsibility for their own welfare.

Resetting the relationship with Indigenous people underpins all Government efforts to end decades of disadvantage and despair. The Budget supports practical measures to build a new relationship and encourage increased Indigenous participation in the Australian democratic process.

This Budget recognises that all Australians wherever they live are equally entitled to the basic foundations of economic independence and social wellbeing — healthy living, a safe house, a good education and training and the opportunity to get and keep a job.

It reflects the Australian Government’s commitment to a comprehensive reform agenda — to achieve the ambitious targets we have set in health, education and employment and provide Indigenous Australians with the essential building blocks that are vital to transforming their life chances.

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