May 2022
Media Release
The Close the Gap Campaign would like to congratulate Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, as Australia’s 31st Prime Minister and the incoming Labour government on its electoral success.
We welcome Prime Minister’s commitments to the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Constitutional recognition and an Indigenous Voice to Parliament are mechanisms that can reset the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and all Australian governments and set the foundation for meaningful action towards self-determination and genuine allyship.
We support the Prime Minister’s commitments to increasing funding for the Closing the Gap Strategy, including key priority reform areas in housing, health, employment, and justice reinvestment. As always, grounded in fundamental human-rights, and in partnership with our allies, we look forward to progressing a range of socio-economic issues that can improve life expectancy and health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The Campaign would also like to congratulate Senator Linda Burney, her position as the newly appointed Minister for Indigenous Affairs is an important milestone. While the Indigenous Affairs portfolio will benefit from Minister Burney’s knowledge, experience and expertise, her elevation as Australia’s first Aboriginal woman to be appointed Minister for Indigenous Affairs, is an historic achievement that, collectively, our nation can celebrate.
As an independent social justice campaign, we look forward to working together with our allies to create meaningful social, emotional and economic recovery and transformation for all Australians.
Co-Chairs
June Oscar AO – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, AHRC
Karl Briscoe, CEO, NAATSIHWP
