Empowering local communities will help deliver better results from Indigenous programs
AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said today that there is a need for a long-term approach to closing the gap in Indigenous health and life expectancy.
Dr Hambleton was commenting on media coverage of a Department of Finance report that concludes that Indigenous expenditure by successive Governments over many years has failed to deliver meaningful outcomes. The report is said to be critical of complicated programs, and excessive red tape and layers of bureaucracy, and suggests wiser and better targeted spending.
Dr Hambleton said wiser spending would empower Indigenous communities to take more control of initiatives to solve local problems at the local level.
“We need to see sustainable local initiatives that are designed for the long term, not short term political fixes,” Dr Hambleton said.
“This means working in partnership with Indigenous people to assist them to develop the skills, capacities, local knowledge and relationships they need to make the generational shift from dependence to self-reliance.
“Solutions can range from the development of 'clean hands' and sanitation awareness in local schools and homes to communities developing opportunities for employment and engagement in the mainstream economy.
“The AMA believes that community controlled health organisations and some non-government organisations (NGOs) have a history of hands-on experience and long term commitment working with Indigenous Australians to help them help themselves.
“Funding should be targeted to these organisations, along with Indigenous community groups, to engage with communities to strengthen their capacity for good health.
“We're not talking about the delivery of health services, we're taking about community initiatives and individual skills, knowledge and awareness that, over time, will reduce the occurrence of the chronic conditions, substance use, and other factors that lead to poor health.
“The AMA has a plan for health-related capacities that need to be supported throughout the lifespan, with a particular focus on adolescent and early teenage years for Indigenous Australians when risks of alcohol abuse, substance use, and other harmful behaviours can emerge.
“We are calling on the Government to target $10 million of its Indigenous funding each year for 10 years for grants to suitable NGOs and community groups to help Indigenous Australians build their capacity for good health.”
8 August 2011
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