CLOSE THE GAP

Intro Video

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXx3XBHNzxk

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

Indi

geno

us M

en

Indi

geno

us W

omen

Non

-Ind

igen

ous

Men

Non

-Ind

igen

ous

Wom

en

65

77

82

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 Bangladesh Indigenous 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 1st 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 2030.

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 Indigenousparticipation 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

http://signumfideijusticeleague.weebly.com/close-the-gap-day-2013.html

What can you do to Close the Gap?

“I know you think you should make a tripto Calcutta, but I strongly advise you to

save your airfare and spend it on thepoor in your own country.

Its easy to love people far away. Its notalways 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 / AssessmentWhat 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