Tuesday, 24 March 2009
Funding for housing a major step forward to close the gap
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma has welcomed the $5.5 billion National Partnership on Remote Indigenous Housing announced by the federal government.
“This commitment to deliver new houses and upgrades to homes in remote communities is a major milestone in closing the gap in life expectancy outcomes for Indigenous people,” Commissioner Calma said.
“Investment of this magnitude in real bricks and mortar will impact positively on the health, education and life outcomes of remote Indigenous people.
“Good housing can overcome some of the major causes of disease and ill-health. Overcrowding and poor housing infrastructure have been some of the main contributors to poor health and domestic violence in remote communities,” he said.
“A good living space also gives children places to learn and places to sleep separate from adults.”
Commissioner Calma said running water, functional cooking facilities and protection from the elements were necessary to improve the life chances of current and future generations of Indigenous people.
"The jobs that flow from the construction and associated industries should also improve life chances and this will only be sustainable if women and young people benefit from these jobs,” Commissioner Calma said.
“However, the building program must be supported by appropriate training and development so that Indigenous people can take full advantage of these job opportunities.
“While there is an acute housing shortage in remote communities, a similar shortfall exists nationally and I encourage governments to extend their support for housing, economic development and infrastructure to all Indigenous communities across Australia,” Commissioner Calma said.
“In keeping with the Close the Gap Statement of Intent, the housing program must be part of a coordinated plan which sets targets and agreed milestones for progress. And any sustainable improvements in life outcomes for Indigenous Australians must be pursued in partnership with Indigenous people with whole of government input.
“I urge the federal government to build on the substantial efforts it has already made in moving forward in partnership with Indigenous Australians by working closely with Indigenous communities and all levels of government to make sustainable improvements in land reform, economic development, health and education for Indigenous Australians.”
Media contact: Louise McDermott 0419 258 597
