MEDIA RELEASE
11th February 2010
Chair -NIHEC
SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF THE APOLOGY TO THE STOLEN
GENERATIONS
The national Apology to the Stolen Generations by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd two
years ago was an event of considerable significance in the history of the relationship
between the Australian Government and Indigenous Australians.
Acknowledging the anniversary of the apology, Professor Ian Anderson, the Chair of
the National Indigenous Health Equality Council (NIHEC), said a concerted effort is
needed in order to close the unacceptably high gap in life expectancy.
NIHEC is working closely with Minister Warren Snowdon in his role as Minister for
Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health and Regional Services Delivery on the
achievement of equitable and sustainable health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples.
“Being able to measure and evaluate the Closing the Gap targets is critical to
improving the health of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Professor
Anderson said.
NIHEC has put considerable effort over the past 12 months into the development of
a National Target Setting Instrument, and Child Mortality Target: analysis and
recommendations, to be provided to Government in March.
“The Instrument and supporting analysis and recommendations will encourage best
practice in target setting and will be invaluable for monitoring and informing progress
towards the Closing the Gap agenda,” Professor Anderson said.
NIHEC continues to focus on its vision to provide strategic, evidence-based advice to
support the Government’s commitment to closing the gap on a range of
health-related areas where Indigenous Australians experience disadvantage.
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The Prime Minister, the Hon Kevin Rudd MP announced the establishment of the National
Indigenous Health Equality Council (NIHEC) in March 2008. NIHEC provides national
leadership in responding to the Australian Government’s commitment to closing the gap on a
range of health-related areas where Indigenous Australians experience disadvantage.
Media Contact: Professor Anderson will be available for interview via
Media Unit (02) 6289 7400
NEWS 
