First do no harm

Rather than imposing short term simplistic interventions targeted at the end-stage symptoms, as a society we must seek to understand the underlying causes and commit long term to address them in a respectful partnership with Indigenous communities. Mutual obligation is a two-way street, conducted between equal partners.

Early intervention is needed - as upstream as possible. And yes, no one disagrees that children must be nurtured and protected: however, the way we intervene is absolutely critical.

It is encouraging that the new Australian government has committed to working closely with Indigenous organisations and the States and Territories to “Close the Gap” in Indigenous life expectancy, recognising that this will be a 20-30 year challenge.

What is needed is a comprehensive, long term, bipartisan “whole-of-government” commitment conducted in respectful partnership with the local communities and the states and territories - an Australian version of the Marshall Plan for the reconstruction of Europe after World War II - focusing on health, education, housing, and employment, and with a very significant and recurrent investment by the Australian Government to address the national disgrace of Indigenous disadvantage.