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Reconciliation Australia applauds a new alliance to turn good intentions into measurable actions

20 March 2008 - Media Release - The signing today of a Statement of Intent to close the gap in health status between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples marks another milestone along the road to reconciliation.

Reconciliation Australia chief executive Barbara Livesey congratulates all signatories to the Statement and says 'the signing by the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition emphasises the importance of bipartisan support in addressing the unacceptable disparity in life expectancy.'

'With both the major political leaders, as well as peak Indigenous and non-Indigenous health bodies signing the pledge and coordinating efforts, it sends a particularly strong message that getting positive health outcomes for Indigenous Australians is above politics,' Ms Livesey said.

'It is only by working together, listening to each other and committing to real targets that we will begin to see a closing of the gap in life expectancy by 2030, an overarching ambition Reconciliation Australia supports and works towards,' she said.

'The Statement of Intent complements Reconciliation Australia's Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) Program which encourages all parts of the community corporate Australia, local communities, schools etc to turn good intentions into measurable actions.'

'We look forward to the Government setting targets in all areas that contribute to improving life expectancy, including housing, education and employment' Ms Livesey said.

Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma also is to be congratulated in convening the health summit over the past two days and working with all parties to make health equality a reality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

ENDS

Media Contact: Karen Mundine

Source: Reconciliation Australia

Further information: reconciliation issues page - includes news index and external links