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Budget 2008-09 Indigenous Statement
13/05/2008
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Transcript
Indigenous Statement
Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, the Hon Jenny Macklin, MP
13 May 2008Hello, I'm Jenny Macklin, Minister for Indigenous Affairs.
2008 has been a significant year for reconciliation in Australia.
In February, the Australian Parliament's apology to Indigenous people acknowledged past mistreatment and injustices and opened a new chapter in our nation's history.
It paved the way for new partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians based on mutual respect and responsibility.
The Australian Government has set ambitious targets for improving Indigenous life expectancy, child mortality, educational attainment and employment.
Closing the gap between Indigenous and other Australians is now a national priority.
Since the election last November we have delivered more than $1.2 billion towards closing the gap, including $425 million in new funds in this Budget.
$666 million has been committed to the Northern Territory to help protect children from abuse and neglect, improve community safety and build better lives for Indigenous people.
Across Australia we have invested $554 million, with a focus on education, economic development and health, including the crucial area of maternal and child health.
We're also determined to make sure that Indigenous people benefit from services funded for all Australians. In this Budget there are many mainstream measures - in areas such as homelessness and preschool education - that will improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
You can find out more about Government measures to close the gap on this website or at www.budget.gov.au
Thank you.