Greens welcome greater focus on First Nations Self Determination

“I’m very pleased to see the reports that First Nations peoples will have power, responsibility and funding over health directions and decisions under the new Closing the Gap approach – this has been a long time coming” Australian Greens spokesperson on First Nations Issues, Senator Rachel Siewert said today.

“Self-determination is critical to Closing the Gap”.

“I am so glad that the proposed agreement has a greater focus on First Nations self determination. First Nations peoples have been calling for this for a very long time yet the system has continuously failed them.” 

“The over-incarceration of First Nations peoples is one of Australia’s most significant human rights concerns and a key barrier to Closing the Gap, it is essential justice is addressed as part of Closing the Gap. It is clear that previous weak attempts by governments to reduce incarceration rates have not worked.” 

“The Greens look forward to seeing the outcome of the national cabinet discussions.”

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