New Victorian plans for Aboriginal children and young people will help Close the Gap
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The State Government’s long-term plans to improve education and health outcomes for Aboriginal children and young people announced today are a welcome commitment promising real outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians, said the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS).
‘On International Day of the World’s Indigenous People, the release of the Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework 2010-2013 and Balert Boorron – the 10-year plan to drive reform and improve outcomes for Victorian Aboriginal children and young people strengthen the foundation to Close the Gap in Victoria,’ said VCOSS CEO, Cath Smith.
‘Working towards the targets identified in the VIAF and the future directions outlined in Balert Boorron puts into action the Victorian Government’s August 2007 signing of the Statement of Intent to Close the Gap in outcomes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Victorians.’
‘Given that Aboriginal children are only half as likely to complete Year 12 as their non-Aboriginal schoolmates and the significant gap in health outcomes, today’s announcements are a strong step in the right direction.’
‘VCOSS commends the Victorian Government for working in partnership with Victorian Aboriginal communities, leaders and service providers to develop these two key foundational documents.’
‘VCOSS also commends the Victorian Government, particularly the Chair of the Ministerial Taskforce on Indigenous Affairs, Rob Hulls, the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development, Maxine Morand, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Richard Wynne, for these achievements today.’
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VCOSS
Level 8, 128 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
T: 03 9654 5050 F: 03 9654 5749 W: vcoss@vcoss.org.au E: vcoss@vcoss.org.au