The announcement of the appointment of Warren Snowdon to the new portfolio for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health and Regional Services Delivery is welcome, says Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation spokesperson, Sally Fitzpatrick.

'We offer Mr Snowdon our wholehearted congratulations. Mr Snowdon has clearly demonstrated his commitment to Aboriginal people in the many years he has served in the Northern Territory and will be a formidable advocate.

'Mr Snowdon will be well aware of issues facing regional and remote Australia. Improving the current maldistribution of the health workforce, and maintaining and developing essential infrastructure and access to services are at the centre of this.

'Mr Snowdon must first address the perception that this Government is not doing enough to support and develop Indigenous community-controlled models of service delivery, such as that provided by the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service sector.The successful delivery of enhanced primary health care by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services is a model from which all Australians could benefit. Indigenous community-control should be maintained and expanded in other areas of Indigenous service delivery, such as housing,' said Ms Fitzpatrick.

Improving Indigenous health and wellbeing requires simultaneous action on critical social and cultural determinants of health.

'The importance of housing and education cannot be argued, so too a meaningful occupation. A sense of purpose, recognition and control over one's destiny are central to the wellbeing of individuals and their communities.

'Engaging and empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in achieving change is of critical importance. This Government's first task is achieving true collaboration in the development and implementation of a long-term plan of action to meet the Close The Gap targets. Real, action-based partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in planning and rolling out the COAG (Council of Australian Government) funds are essential if we are to address the complex factors impacting on Indigenous health,' Ms Fitzpatrick said.

'However, the Government must also acknowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face significant access issues in urban areas as well and this involves additional challenges inchanging mainstream service delivery culture.'

Media contact: Sally Fitzpatrick 0415 069 878