The Andrews Labor Government has today released the Aboriginal Affairs Report for 2014/2015, detailing the state’s progress in addressing inequality between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Victorians.

In keeping with Labor Government’s commitment to develop genuine partnerships with Aboriginal communities, the report for the first time also includes reflections from Aboriginal representatives on current efforts to close the gap.

While the report highlights positive results in education, early childhood, and youth justice, it also indicates there remains significant work to do in closing the gaps in reading, writing and numeracy, unemployment and adults in the justice system.

Other areas of particular concern include reducing family violence, the high rate of children entering the child protection system, improving health outcomes and reducing homelessness.

In releasing the report, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins highlighted the Labor Government’s commitment to working in partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal communities to ensure appropriate investment and responses were developed to address these inequalities.

Ms Hutchins said that closing the gap required commitment from all levels of government and urged the Commonwealth to ensure adequate and sustainable funding of their agreed responsibilities.

The report can be found at http://dpc.vic.gov.au/index.php/aboriginal-affairs/aboriginal-affairs-policy/victorian-aboriginal-affairs-framework

Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins

 “The Andrews Labor Government has made a very clear commitment to working alongside the Victorian Aboriginal community. By listening, respecting and valuing the views of Aboriginal leaders, we can move forward in closing the gap.”

“If we are to achieve long-term generational change, it’s vital that every tier of government work in partnership with each other and Aboriginal communities.”