National Close the Gap Day

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (14:34): My question is to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. Will the minister inform the council about the marking of National Close the Gap Day?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:35): I thank the honourable member for his question. Today marks National Close the Gap Day. It is an important event on the calendar that sees schools, businesses and community groups declare their support for the efforts to close the gap between the life and socio-economic outcomes of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in this country. The day centred on events that bring the issue to the forefront of the conversations and shared commitments to taking action.

While the Closing the Gap agreement focuses on measures across the spectrum of life outcomes, this day is particularly centred around health quality. I have been fortunate to attend a number of Closing the Gap days, but this year I wasn't able to make it. Today, as I am informed, there is a big turnout at the Adelaide Showgrounds, an event hosted by Sonder and Nunkuwarrin Yunti, featuring over 100 stallholders in health, education and employment. While I am sorry not to be there because of parliamentary obligations in this chamber, I send all my very best wishes and look forward to the results that come out of it.