Close the Gap Evaluation 2006 - 2011

Summary

The 2005 Social Justice Report by Dr. Tom Calma highlighted the significant health disparities between Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians, including a 17-year life expectancy gap and higher infant mortality rates. The 'Close the Gap' campaign was initiated, aiming for health equality by 2030. It has achieved bipartisan support, established a national plan, and mobilized public awareness, with milestones including government funding commitments and the appointment of a dedicated Minister for Indigenous Health.

Takeaways

• 📜 In 2005, Dr. Tom Calma highlighted the significant health inequality between Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians, noting a 17-year life expectancy gap and higher infant mortality rates.
• 📝 Dr. Calma called for a commitment from Australian governments to achieve health equality within 25 years, sparking the 'Close the Gap' campaign.
• 🔍 The campaign began with a focus on health outcomes for Indigenous Australians, aiming to bring together major health and human rights organizations to address the disparity.
• 🌐 The 'Close the Gap' steering committee was formed in 2006, uniting partners to shape a clear direction, shared vision, and common approach to affect change.
• 🏛 The campaign emphasized a human rights framework, particularly Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which asserts the right to health.
• 📊 The campaign set time-bound and measurable goals, with activities agreed upon by partners, to hold governments accountable for health equality.
• 👥 The establishment of the 'Close the Gap' campaign under Indigenous leadership was a unique and critical feature, ensuring respect and cohesion within the coalition.
• 🤝 High-level bipartisan support was secured early in the campaign, with the signing of a statement of intent by the federal government, opposition, and The Greens in 2008.
• 🎯 The campaign's success was attributed to its ability to mobilize public support, gain political traction, and establish a multi-party approach to address health inequality.
• 🗓️ Major achievements of the campaign include government pledges of significant funding, the appointment of a dedicated minister for Indigenous Health, and the development of a long-term National plan of action.
• 🌟 The campaign has attracted international attention, influencing similar initiatives in other countries and being recognized by the World Health Organization.

Q & A

What was the main focus of Dr. Tom Calma's 2005 Social Justice Report?

The main focus of Dr. Tom Calma's 2005 Social Justice Report was the inequality in health status between Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians, highlighting the significant life expectancy gap and higher rates of infant mortality and heart disease among Indigenous populations.

What was the life expectancy gap documented by Dr. Calma between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians?

Dr. Calma documented a 17-year life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

What was the 'Closing the Gap' campaign's initial goal?

The initial goal of the 'Closing the Gap' campaign was to achieve equality of health status and life expectancy between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians within 25 years.

When was the 'Closing the Gap' steering committee formed, and what was its purpose?

The 'Closing the Gap' steering committee was formed on the 10th of March, 2006. Its purpose was to bring together major health and human rights organizations as a coalition of partners to shape a clear direction, shared vision, and common approach to address the health inequality.

How did the 'Closing the Gap' campaign approach the issue of health inequality?

The campaign approached the issue by using a carefully considered and phased strategic approach that included convincing decision makers of the need for change and building infrastructure for change, harnessing the strength of political engagement supported by mass public mobilization.

What was the significance of placing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health within a human rights framework in the campaign?

Placing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health within a human rights framework was significant because it held the government accountable for upholding the right to health as stated in Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, providing a roadmap for action and a framework for accountability.

What was the first major objective of the 'Closing the Gap' campaign?

The first major objective of the 'Closing the Gap' campaign was to secure high-level bipartisan support, which was achieved with the signing of the statement of intent by the federal government, opposition, and The Greens at the March 2008 Indigenous Health Summit.

What commitments did the Australian government make in response to the 'Closing the Gap' campaign?

In response to the campaign, the Australian government pledged significant funding, committed to achieving the campaign's targets, established National Partnership agreements for various services, and agreed to work on a comprehensive National plan for health equality by 2030.

How has the 'Closing the Gap' campaign influenced government actions and policies?

The campaign has influenced the government to develop a long-term National plan of action for health equality, commit significant funding for related services, establish a dedicated minister for Indigenous Health, and agree to report annually on progress towards closing the health gap.

What role did public engagement and support play in the success of the 'Closing the Gap' campaign?

Public engagement and support played a crucial role in the campaign's success by raising awareness of the health inequality gap, mobilizing non-Indigenous Australians to support the cause, and putting pressure on politicians to take action and address the issue seriously.

How has the 'Closing the Gap' campaign been recognized internationally?

The campaign has attracted international attention, being the subject of a case study by Dr. Helen Potts and being referred to in the World Health Organization Commission on the Social Determinants of Health's final report. It has also inspired interest from First Nations in Canada who are looking to address similar health concerns.