ANTaR welcomes the special COAG meeting devoted to Closing the Gap on Indigenous disadvantage taking place in Darwin. ANTaR President, Dr Janet Hunt, said:

“ANTaR appreciates the attention the Federal and State Governments are giving to Indigenous affairs through the COAG process. They have years of neglect to overcome and a big task is ahead, but the fact that they are giving this area of policy national attention is to be warmly welcomed.”

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.

First published in The ABC

The new portfolio for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health and Regional Services Delivery has brought the spotlight back on the Government's closing the gap Indigenous health policy.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's weekend Cabinet shuffle saw the creation of the portfolio, which he has given to former Defence Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon.

There are no extra resources for the new Minister but there is hope that the new focus on Indigenous health will pay dividends.