CLOSE THE GAP

Intro Video 8 minute summary of the 1998 “Bringing them Home Report” Nzxk

In Australia there are over 510,000 Indigenous people making up 2.5% of the total Australian population

Some live on the beautiful Torres Strait Islands, others live in remote communities, country towns or urban cities

Together we share a common humanity We are all created equally But our opportunities in life and our levels of disadvantage vary greatly

For many Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal peoples the odds are stacked against them

One of us is expected to live 17 years longer than the other One of us is 3 times more likely to have diabetes One of us is 10 times more likely to be diagnosed with kidney disease Today One of us is Indigenous and one is not

Indigenous babies are 3 times more likely to die before the age of one Indigenous Australians are 10 times more likely to be diagnosed with kidney disease Today Indigenous Australians are 3 times more likely to be unemployed

A huge gap exists between the life expectancy and health of those who are Indigenous and those who are not. What is the gap? 60 Indigenous Men Indigenous Women Non-Indigenous Men Non-Indigenous Women Life Expectancy Gap= 17 years

Life expectancy rate for Indigenous Australians are alarmingly similar to those in a number of developing countries Average Life Country Expectancy  Cambodia 58  Bangladesh and Pakistan 61  Indigenous Australia 62  Bolivia and Bhutan 63  India 64  Vietnam, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu 69 Cambodia BangladeshIndigenous Aust.

But such a gap has no place in our society It cannot be tolerated We cannot look away We have to care We have to ask why

The reasons are complex. Social, economic and physical factors all play a role. Dispossession Dislocation Discrimination Poor and overcrowded housing Poor diet and nutrition Unemployment Limited access to health care services (3 times the rate for non-Indigenous people ) Low income (Indigenous Australians earn just 62% of the income of non-Indigenous people). Why is there a gap? These all lead to the Gap Lack of education (In 2006, 21 % of 15 year old Indigenous people were not participating in school education)

Forced relocation 80% of Indigenous Australians were killed within the 1 st generation of European settlement Why? Stolen Generation These all lead to the Gap Denied citizenship

YOU SHOULD NOT FEEL GUILTY / RESPONSIBLE / SAD / DEPRESSED ETC We hope by being aware of what happened in the past, and why the gap exists today, you will choose to do what you can to help close the gap

Equality Empowerment Services and resources Opportunities Education and training Recognition and respect Working in partnership How can we Close the Gap? We have the resources and knowledge to close the gap

The local people are taking control of their own health. Diabetes in these communities is decreasing! Achievements Parental Involvement School fitness and health programs Provision of healthy breakfasts In 2008 governments of Australia pledged $1.6 billion towards closing the gap Diabetes education Training of community leaders to run the program Nutrition education Shops are clearly identifying healthy food with coloured stickers

Together, we are moving forward Caritas Australia and other organisations are working hard to close the gap but we need help. In 2008 Prime Minister Mr. Kevin Rudd has promised to close the 17-year life expectancy gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians by He promised that Indigenous people will get health services equal to those of the rest of the population within 10 years. Now we need to ensure that the government keeps its promise.

The Close the Gap Pledge I call on the Australian Government to: Commit to providing adequate and long-term financial resources to achieve Indigenous health equality; Implement a comprehensive National Action Plan; Invest in real partnerships, including increased Indigenous participation and control around health service delivery; and Address critical social issues of housing, education and self- determination that contribute to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health crisis. I personally pledge to challenge racism and stereotypes and to play my part in reconciliation in Australia

1.Trace your hand over the Close the Gap Pledge 2. Cut out your hand 3. Sign your name and add your personal message if you like 4. Come to the Indigenous Allstars game next Wednesday. Your hand will be placed on Ross Oval and then sent to the government for National Close the Gap Day What can you do to Close the Gap?

5. Challenge racism and stereotypes with friend, family and neighbours What can you do to Close the Gap?

Nudgee Indigenous All-Stars Promo video close-the-gap-day-2013.html What can you do to Close the Gap?

“ I know you think you should make a trip to Calcutta, but I strongly advise you to save your airfare and spend it on the poor in your own country. Its easy to love people far away. Its not always easy to love those who live right next to us.” Mother Teresa Our challenge for the future is to act right now today at home

Possible Reflection / Assessment What do you believe is the most difficult or challenging obstacle to be overcome? Why? Explain why you do/don’t believe the gap will be closed within 25years? Why will it take so long? Explain what you think will be the most obvious sign of the gap closing? What improvements will be difficult to see? Why/ How does the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous life expectancy affect you? What happens when we don’t keep our promises? What will be the consequence of not closing the gap?

Catholic Social Teaching and Close the Gap Campaign Solidarity Participation Common Good Human Dignity Subsidiarity Stewardship of the Earth Preferential option for the poor How are the following principles demonstrated in the campaign or in Caritas Australia’s Indigenous programs ?

CLOSE THE GAP