Dear Supporter,

Nine days ago I commenced as National Director of ANTaR.

I thought I had a pretty clear picture of the policy environment, where it might be heading, and the challenges and opportunities for getting a better deal for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people under this government.

I took some heart in the Prime Minister's personal commitment to being the Prime Minister for Indigenous Affairs. As I did in the strong bipartisanship on closing the gap shown by the Prime Minister while in Opposition.

I also believed that if any group should be spared the worst of the budget cuts, it would be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people - across every social and economic indicator, they fair the worse.

But I was shocked at what was handed down on Tuesday for the First Australians! 

Our infographic says it all!

Alongside the cuts to Indigenous programs, the cuts to Aboriginal organisations, the $534 million in cuts associated with 'consolidating' 150 program areas into five, and cutting of the Indigenous Languages Program (among others), many of the other Budget measures will have a disproportionate impact on the First Peoples.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are, on average, sicker and poorer than other Australians, so the $7 Medicare Co-Payment will hit them hard.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as a group have far more under 30 year olds than the broader community, and higher rates of unemployment, so the Youthstart changes will hit them hardest.

Axing of the Preventive Health National Partnership Agreement will limit a key approach in closing the health equality gap.

In more ways than one, this Budget amounts to an appalling deal for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

 

 

TAKE ACTION AND HELP US FIGHT THE CUTS

Nine days into working at ANTaR I am shocked at the deal the First Australians got in this Federal Budget. 

But I am unwaivering in my belief that with your support, and by working in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations, we can, and will make a difference. 

ANTaR will stand alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives and we'll demand real engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations about the new arrangements in Indigenous affairs.

And we'll hold government to account for its commitment to closing the gap in Indigenous disadvantage.

I took on this role to work with my colleagues, allies, and our supporters in support of justice, rights and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  

And with your help, that's exactly what ANTaR will be doing! 

Thank you for your support.

Andrew Meehan, National Director

And the team at ANTaR.  

TAKE ACTION AND HELP US FIGHT THE CUTS