Kalamunda MLA Matthew Hughes.
Camera IconKalamunda MLA Matthew Hughes. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Kalamunda and Forrestfield MLAs urge community involvement in National Close the Gap Day

Sarah BrookesMidland Kalamunda Reporter

Kalamunda MLA Matthew Hughes and Forrestfield MLA Stephen Price have symbolically placed their handprints on a Close the Gap banner, to urge the local community to get involved in National Close the Gap Day on Thursday, March 15.

The national day is part of the campaign to close the 10-year gap in life expectancy between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians by 2030.

Oxfam Australia WA community campaigner Paddy Cullen said it was encouraging to see so many representatives at the state level echoing community support for an end to health inequality in Australia, with more than 95 per cent of WA state politicians having now put their handprint on the Close the Gap banner over the past decade.

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“Showing support for Close the Gap, especially as we get closer to National Close the Gap Day, sends a powerful message to both State and Federal Governments to fully implement a comprehensive national action plan to achieve Indigenous health equality,” he said.

“It is 10 years since the Federal Government said sorry and pledged to close the gap; now is the time for all politicians to get serious about making it happen.”

To register your event for National Close the Gap Day go to www.oxfam.org.au/nctgd.

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