Community control only way to Close the Gap

12 February, 2017

Community control only way to Close the Gap

12 February 2018

Any refresh of the Close the Gap policy must position Aboriginal community control front and centre of the design and delivery, the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) said today.

NSWALC Chair Roy Ah-See said it was disappointing that some targets had not been achieved since the Close the Gap policy was launched 10 years ago. However, progress had been made in some areas.

Cr Ah-See said the NSW Aboriginal Land Council was well-positioned to play a role in revamping the approach to Close the Gap.

"The NSW Aboriginal Land Council is the largest member-based Aboriginal organisation in Australia and with our 23,000 strong membership we are devoting our resources to improve the living standards of the 230,000 Aboriginal people living in this State.

"Through our newly-formed NSWALC Enterprises, we are engaged in a number of initiatives aimed at creating secure employment and economic development for Aboriginal people.

"Having a secure and stable job is the best pathway from disadvantage to participation in our economy and society.

"That's why the NSW Aboriginal Land Council is investing in employment and economic development.

"Governments need to close the knowledge gap and work with community-controlled organisations like the NSW Aboriginal Land Council - from design through to delivery. This is the best way to Close the Gap.

"The NSW Aboriginal Land Council is encouraged by the Turnbull Government's moves to expand the Close the Gap campaign and look forward to being part of the refresh."

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Media contact: Andrew Williams 0429 585 291

Acknowledgement

We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners of the lands where we work as well as across the lands we travel through. We also acknowledge our Elders past, present and emerging.

Artwork Credit: Craig Cromelin, from a painting he did titled, "4 favourite fishing holes". It is a snippet of his growing years on the Lachlan River, featuring yabby, turtle, fish and family.

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