Link to the Show / Show NotesThe peak body for Aboriginal medical services has accused the RUDD government of &uot;losing its way&uot; on the promise to close the gap on life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation - or NACCHO - says the government is still only applying band-aid remedies to disadvantage...from housing and health problems, to raising educational and employment participation.
The assessment follows new Australian Bureau of Statistics figures, which show some marked improvements in the quality of life of Indigenous Australians.
For example, the A-B-S study reveals that smoking rates have declined by four per cent since 2002.. to 47 per cent.
But the figures show that a large life expectancy gap still remains.
NACCHO chair, Doctor Mick Adams, says while there may be political will to improve the life of Indigenous Australians, progress on the ground has been too slow.
He's speaking with Caroline Davey.
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