In the Rudd government Warren Snowdon was the Minister for Indigenous, Rural and Regional Health. Warren Snowdon lived in Alice Springs and had previously lived at Pipalyatjarra on the APY lands. By just living he had a knowledge of the Ministry. The was a Closing the Gap report the Prime Minster had to report on to Parliament and yes a program “Closing the Gap” to try and overcome the disadvantages Indigenous Australians have.

Unfortunately they did continue the Intervention that was started by the previous government and some spin seemed to emanate from Macklin’s office on a number of topics.

A few hours ago Julia Gillard announced her new cabinet (Crikey site, ALP site).

Macklin retains Indigenous Affairs while Mark Arbib becomes the Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development. Trust is essential when dealing with Indigenous people. I wonder how he will be viewed.

Of great concern is there is no portfolio for Indigenous, Rural and Regional Health. It is too big a portfolio to be subsumed into the new Ministry for Regional Australia. Does this mean the focus on Closing the Gap will end. That despite all research showing Indigenous Australians want their own health services that the assimilation into general practice will continue?

Indigenous legal academic and writer Larrissa Behrendt on Twitter seems to think so:

Hopefully the focus on the appalling state of Indigenous Health and Social Justice will not be forgotten with this government.

Tagged as: aboriginal, Arbib, cabinet, closing the gap, Gillard, health, Indigenous, Macklin

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