At a Glance Closing the Gap Newsroom Fact Sheets Plan of Action NTG Response to the Inquiry Links
Since becoming Chief Minister, I have emphasised that my first commitment is to promoting the interests of families across the whole of the Northern Territory. Healthy, well educated, productive families are the foundation of prosperity for us all.
Long term, sustained commitments from government are an absolute necessity to overcome the stark economic and social problems experienced by Indigenous Territorians. It is for this reason that my government is committed to the program of Closing the gap of Indigenous disadvantage.
It is a generational plan of action, recognising that the disadvantage faced by Indigenous Territorians cannot be solved overnight. We must aim for the children being born in the next few years—the next generation of Indigenous Territorians—to live healthy lives from their earliest years if they are to take advantage of going to school, getting good and satisfying jobs, and raising families themselves.
It is the greatest social task facing all Territorians, and we require measurable results to be achieved at five, ten and 20 year intervals.
Deputy Chief Minister’s message
The $286 million committed to Closing the Gap is all about the protection of children and families; improving health outcomes; enhancing community safety; and education and training. These are, in my view, the lynch pins of overcoming the decades of neglect experienced by Indigenous Territorians.
For far too long, Indigenous Territorians have been regarded as “the problem”, instead of valued members of our broader community. Achieving the aims of Closing the Gap will not be easy—many issues that are now seen as intractable will indeed be very difficult to tackle. But the solutions are there, and must come from all Territorians.
But there will have to be an active commitment from Indigenous Territorians—a move away from passive acceptance—in Closing the Gap.
Foremost in this commitment must be in the area of educating our kids. It must be a priority from each family. It is learning and knowledge that makes us strong, and this must be instilled in our children from the earliest years. We must get our kids to school—every day—as part of moving Indigenous Territorians ahead.
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting in Sydney has committed to improving early childhood outcomes for Indigenous children.
COAG has agreed to a national focus to continue to close the gap on Indigenous disadvantage.
(3 July 2008)
