Sorry in word and actions : improving health in rural and remote Indigenous communities (letter)

The Rudd government has a great opportunity to set in place a holistic, well developed plan, and provide the lasting solutions that Indigenous people deserve. A comprehensive plan could be drafted within 12 months, if there was sufficient government will. A plan aimed at improving Indigenous health, needs to provide a broad outline that can be adapted to different communities, reflecting the heterogeneity among Indigenous people. Tackling Indigenous health requires strong partnership among Indigenous people, the Federal and State governments and other service providers. Consultation is a key to empowerment and should not be seen as a barrier to timely action.