STATE politicians have thrown their support around health equality ahead of National Close the Gap Day.
North Metropolitan MLC Tjorn Sibma symbolically placed his handprint on Oxfam Australia WA’s Close the Gap banner.
National Close the Gap Day on March 15 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.
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READ NOWCampaigner Paddy Cullen said it was encouraging that 95 per cent of WA politicians had added their handprint to the banner in the past 10 years.
“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.
“Last year, more than 100,000 Australians showed their support on Close the Gap day with about 1100 events in schools, businesses, community groups and government offices held across the country.
“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.”
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