Fed: Small spending increases don't address inequality- Hunter

AAP General News (Australia)
08-23-2001
Fed: Small spending increases don't address inequality- Hunter

Indigenous leader PUGGY HUNTER says small increases in spending on Aboriginal health
don't address the inequalities suffered by indigenous people.

Dr HUNTER, chairman of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation,
says a report on indigenous health spending shows it's not enough -- given the comparatively
poor health of Aboriginal people.

He says it's well-known Aboriginal people have the worst health status of any Australians
but public expenditure for Aboriginal health is no different to other low income groups.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows spending on indigenous health
increased in the three years to 1998/99 and more money is spent per Aboriginal person
than on each non-indigenous person.

Dr HUNTER says at least an additional $245 million per year is needed to break the
cycle of poor Aboriginal health.

AAP RTV eg/daw/hn/psm/

KEYWORD: INDIGENOUS HEALTH (CANBERRA)

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