Mr Brumby said the Close the Gap campaign, which seeks to reduce the 17-year life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians by 2030, would be supported by the Victorian Government through the implementation of current and future policy initiatives.

“No Victorian would think it acceptable that Indigenous people have a life expectancy 17 years shorter than the rest of the community and that’s why our Government is taking action to turn this around,” Mr Brumby said. 

“We are already making significant investments through our Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework which is about reducing inequalities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

“This framework demonstrates our Government's commitment to reducing Aboriginal disadvantage, from birth and throughout life.  It commences with a reduction in child mortality rates and decreasing the percentage of Aboriginal babies with low birth weights – but more needs to be done to close the divide.

“That’s why the Victorian Government, in partnership with Indigenous communities and the Commonwealth Government, is committed to developing and delivering programs that can help to close the gap in life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Victorians.”

Mr Brumby was joined by Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Tom Calma, Victorian Aboriginal Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) chair Justin Mohamed and representatives from Indigenous communities at Parliament House today for the signing of the Statement of Intent to Close the Gap. 

“Closing the gap in Indigenous life expectancy also involves working to close many other gaps – especially those relating to early childhood, education, employment and indigenous participation in the civic, social and cultural life of the Victorian community,” he said.

“Through the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Indigenous Reform working group, of which the Victorian Government is a participant, we are co-operating with all Australian state and territory governments to close the gap on Indigenous disadvantage.”

Mr Brumby said the Victorian Government delivered a $40.7 million package in the 2008-09 State Budget aimed at closing the gap on Indigenous life expectancy, which supported key objectives of the Close the Gap campaign. This followed a $44 million commitment in 2007-08 for dedicated Indigenous health and well-being programs.

“Our Government is also investing significantly in early childhood initiatives and programs designed to improve educational outcomes for Indigenous children, which is crucial to breaking the cycle of disadvantage for many Indigenous communities,” he said.

“As part of the $40.7 million package in this year’s Budget we committed an additional $25.3 million towards expanding the number and providing greater training for Indigenous school staff, providing scholarships for high achievers, and establishing individual education plans for Indigenous students.

“This also included $2 million for the Aboriginal Health Promotion and Chronic Care Partnership to support culturally sensitive early intervention and treatment services, including promoting this Government’s Go for Your Life campaigns.”

COAG has agreed to a partnership between all levels of government to work with Indigenous communities to achieve targets, including closing the 17-year life expectancy gap within a generation and halving the mortality rate of Indigenous children within 10 years.

The Statement of Intent to Close the Gap is attached.