MEDIA RELEASE
Vision 2020 Australia has welcomed the ALP’s plan to improve the health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – particularly its intention to invest $13 million to help reduce avoidable blindness.
The commitment of $8.5 million on implementing regional eye health coordinators, improved case management and outreach services is positive progress in line with the priorities the sector recently identified in Strong eyes, strong communities: a five year plan for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health and vision 2019-24.
We also welcome the Opposition’s commitment to provide $4.5 million to establish a new place-based eye health centre to help meet the needs of people in the north-west of Western Australia.
Comments attributable to Vision 2020 Australia CEO Judith Abbott:
“With Strong eyes, strong communities, Vision 2020 Australia made 24 recommendations to close this gap for vision. This announcement today is a great first step towards the total investment of $85.5 million needed over the coming five years to achieve that goal.”
“Supporting an active partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and people will be essential across all these investments, to deliver culturally safe services that best meet the needs of local communities.”
ENDS
Media contact: Ben Jessup 0410 632 123 or bjessup@vision2020australia.org.au