The 2009 State Budget builds on the Brumby Labor Government’s ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes, economic prospects and equality for Aboriginal Victorians, with a $56.1 million package of initiatives to support Victoria’s Indigenous communities.
The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Richard Wynne, said the Brumby Labor Government would build on the National Apology through practical reconciliation, such as support and training for Indigenous Victorians and additional measures to help close the gap in life expectancy.
“The Brumby Labor Government’s 2009 State Budget builds on a decade of investment in Indigenous health services and our long-standing commitment to Indigenous equality,” Mr Wynne said.
“We are investing $56.1 million to further close the gap in Aboriginal health outcomes and improve Indigenous leadership in business and protect important cultural heritage.
“We are allocating $47.4 million over the next four years for initiatives to focus on smoking, obesity and physical fitness, which are key contributors to poor health and the 17-year life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.
“The funding will be used to train an extra 35 Aboriginal health workers each year, to be based in Koori health agencies, which will improve their ability to work with hospitals and other health agencies.
“The new health workers will provide ongoing practical support for Aboriginal patients, supporting them as they progress through treatment across different healthcare settings.
“Funding will also help boost health promotion among elders and other adults in the Aboriginal community, encouraging physical fitness and nutritional and lifestyle mentoring.”
A further $1 million will be provided to expand Koori maternity services at three locations.
Stolen Generations Victoria will receive $6.2 million to continue its important work in supporting the needs of and advocating for Victorian Aboriginal people who were removed from their families as children.
“Since its appointment in 2005, Stolen Generations Victoria’s services and the activities it delivers have been highly valued by members of the Stolen Generations and broader community,” Mr Wynne said.
The Koori Business Network has also received $1 million for 2009-10, to assist Indigenous business people during a time of Global Financial Crisis.
“The Koori Business Network is the lead Victorian agency for Indigenous small business development. It aims to increase the number of successful and dynamic Indigenous businesses in the Victorian economy,” Mr Wynne said.
