The Wire

Indigenous Affairs Minister Mal Brough says the 2006/7 Federal budget is designed to work on building the capacity of Indigenous individuals and families, and in doing so, strengthen communities. $500 million of new money will be spent over 5 years on 24 new initiatives. National Indigenous Council Chair Sue Gordon says the government has listened to ideas from the NIC and other Indigenous groups, and funded many of their proposals. But two years after the Australian Medical Association first called for $400 million to be spent to address the serious health needs of Indigenous Australians, still no money has been set aside for Indigenous primary health care. Mr Brough blames poor health on diet and substance abuse, and refutes the need for job creation in Indigenous communities. Labor Indigenous Affairs spokesperson Chris Evans characterises the budget as a missed opportunity, with no real response to Indigenous disadvantage.