The lack of significant new funding or initiatives for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the federal budget serves as an unhappy reminder of the lingering gap between the Government’s promises and action on Indigenous issues, according to the Australian Greens.

“Wayne Swan could not find any time in his budget speech to mention any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs, which is a very disappointing state of affairs,” Senator Rachel Siewert said today.

A number of key mental health initiatives instigated by the Australian Greens have been included in the Federal Government’s new mental health spend.

“The Greens took a comprehensive mental health plan to the last election, an approach which was not adopted at the time by the Government or Coalition. So to have this comprehensive package on the table is a very positive development for the sector,” Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens health spokesperson said after tonight’s budget announcement.

The Australian Greens say the first steps have been taken towards a national dental care scheme, with the Government making an initial commitment in tonight’s budget.

“This $53 million down payment on national dental care is a promising start to what will be a significant change to Australia’s health care system,” Australian Greens health spokesperson Senator Rachel Siewert said tonight.

“This $53 million investment will benefit low income earners in the public health system.

The Australian Greens have welcomed research released today by the Obesity Policy Coalition and are supporting calls for legislation to protect children from unhealthy food advertising and promotion.

Australian Greens health spokesperson, Senator Rachel Siewert says the Government and Coalition wasted an opportunity earlier this year when Greens legislation consistent with the measures being advocated by the Obesity Policy Coalition was blocked by both major parties.

The Australian Greens continue to push for action on dental care to be included in Tuesday's budget.

"We need to see some action from the Government as a down-payment on their committment to improve Australia's dental health," Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens health spokesperson said today.

"This was a key part of our post-election agreement with the ALP," said Senator Siewert.

"Improved national dental care has the capacity to dramatically improve the health of millions of Australians, and we've been working hard towards that outcome.

The Australian Greens are concerned that newly passed alcohol laws in the Northern Territory focus on only one side of the problem – by getting tough on drinkers while ignoring the rivers of cheap grog that flow through the NT.

“I am wary of focusing too much on drinkers and not enough on restricting supply,” Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal Issues said today.

Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens health spokesperson has used an address to the Future of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme conference to put the case for reform of the PBS system.

“It is clear to me that we need a better structure for reform of the PBS system rather the current ad hoc approach. There have been a number of changes in recent years and recent announcements from the Government have smacked of desperation,” Senator Siewert said.

The Australian Greens have called on the Government to reconsider the decision to defer the listing of several new drugs on the PBS despite the recommendation of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.

“This is an unprecedented move and I urge Health Minister Nicola Roxon to reconsider her position,” Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens health spokesperson said today.

“This will have significant implications for Australians trying to access these medicines.

Tony Abbott has failed to learn about the underlying issues facing the Northern Territory as he continues to pursue ineffective, hard-line measures on issues such as alcohol abuse and education, according to the Australian Greens.

Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Issues said that Mr Abbott’s comments highlight the fact that he has missed the point of his visit to the NT. 

The Australian Greens say the rollout of Opal fuel must continue in WA and northern parts of Northern Territory and Queensland to reduce the significant harm caused by petrol sniffing.

“Opal fuel has been a success story in dramatically reducing the incidence of petrol sniffing in the areas where it has been fully rolled out and properly supported by well-resourced youth and diversionary programs,” Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson for Aboriginal Issues said today.