CANBERRA - The Senate today called on state and federal governments to make a long-term commitment to raise the standards of indigenous health and housing.
Australian Democrats deputy leader Andrew Bartlett, who introduced a motion on the issue, said it was unacceptable that indigenous Australians continue to live for an average of 17 years less than Australians of European descent.
"I don't think there would be another area of public policy where the political system has so comprehensively failed as in the area of indigenous affairs," Senator Bartlett told parliament.
"We lurch from crisis to crisis, from short-term solution to short-term solution and the overall situation, whether it's a health situation, a housing situation, or a situation regarding violence in these communities, continues to be one that is totally unsatisfactory."
The urgency motion, which gained bipartisan support, called on all levels of government to work together with indigenous Australians to confront the "completely unsatisfactory health and housing situations faced by many indigenous people".
Northern Territory Country Liberal senator Nigel Scullion agreed that co-operation between state and federal governments was crucial in securing a future for Aborigines.
"It is vital that we work together constructively," he said.
But Senator Scullion ridiculed NT Chief Minister Clare Martin's call for a 20-year action plan, saying action was needed now.
"(Aborigines) simply want to be able to buy their own home, they want a good education, they want some safety in their community, they want some employment, and again, the fundamental of simply having a bit of hope," Senator Scullion said.
Opposition indigenous affairs spokesman Chris Evans said there were no quick fixes and no room for politicking on an issue that needed a national approach.
"Unless we get that we are just going to have another point scoring debate which leaves Aboriginal people worse off," he said.
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