The newly appointed Federal Minister for Aged Care and Indigenous Health Ken Wyatt says he plans to build on the success of recent health outcomes by combining the vision of the signatories of the Redfern Statement to work in partnership with mainstream health services.
"Combining the best of the health care system with the best of what we can do in ageing, is my ultimate aim," the newly sworn-in Minister Ken Wyatt told SBS Living Black Radio this week.
Wyatt, Australia's first Indigenous Federal Minister, is now stepping up to the plate to manage the Aged Care and Indigenous Health portfolio after being sworn in by the Governor General, Sir Peter Cosgrove.
He acknowledges the challenges of the portfolio too. "I realise that resources in both these areas are often stretched, so it is a challenge."
Our first Indigenous Frontbencher in the House of Representatives told SBS he was not only surprised when approached by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull about the role, but was also pleased to hear such positive feedback about his work and commitment in his recent assistant ministerial position, in both Aged Care and Health.
"The PM has been of the view, that he wants to use the collective knowledge of the Indigenous members of Parliament."
Wyatt says, "What's exciting for me is you've got five Indigenous members in Parliament, forget our political persuasion, you've got five Indigenous Australians who are contributing."
Wyatt also revealed that although Indigenous Recognition is currently be off the agenda, both Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten have been in discussion with the five on the matter.
"The Prime Minister and the leader of the opposition have met with the the Indigenous members of Parliament on two occasions to talk about not only Constitutional Recognition, but to talk about other things as well."
On Turnbull's plans to utilise the five Indigenous parliamentarians community knowledge, Wyatt says, "the PM has been of the view, that he wants to use the collective knowledge of the Indigenous members of Parliament."
By working on key initiatives with the Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs with face-to-face contact and joint planning, Minister Wyatt says the portfolio will also be managed through his role as a Minister in the Cabinet Sub-committee, focusing on Indigenous matters.
Youth health, social and emotional well being, substance use and the youth suicide crisis will also be an important focus on Indigenous health within his portfolio.
"I think an area that we often forget about is youth - and it's an area that I want to focus on," says Wyatt.
"Often it is the area that is least in our minds and yet that's where we've got our major challenges in terms of social and emotional issues that are faced by young people, substance abuse - or the early entry into substance abuse - but also suicides."
His appointment coincides with the announcement from the Acting Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Indigenous Affairs Nigel Scullion, of a roll out in the investment of $10 Million dollars into a Critical Response Service that will see the expansion of the youth suicide prevention and support services from Western Australia to the Northern Territory and South Australia.
Minister Wyatt also said that he supports the process of a Critical Response Service across all jurisdictions.
When it comes to Indigenous health, we can't exclude the crisis of incarceration for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples where engagement with the Criminal Justice System is detrimental to emotional, social and physical health and well being.
"Aged care in prisons is not a discussion that is often had"
Giving his thoughts on the issues of health in incarceration, Wyatt said his focus is Health for Indigenous Elders in prison.
"I've started to look at aged care and people aging within prisons," explained Wyatt. "It's not a discussion that is often had."
"I asked a serious of questions recently about prison populations, the prevalence rates of illnesses but my emphasis was on older Australians within the prison system, of which some of our people are there."
Wyatt also spoke about the importance of continuity of care in 'closing the gap'. "When you leave prison, it's important to get access to either AMS or a health service that is going to look after you."
I had the opportunity to open the discussion on community well-being when it comes to his support and concerns for Treaty negotiations, Constitutional Recognition and the debate on January 26 on Australia Day celebrations.
Wyatt said he will now work in partnership with community-controlled and mainstream health services to make better health outcomes, in consultation with the signatories of the Redfern Statement.
"The critical step we need to take is getting mainstream health to play a significant part within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their communities," said Wyatt.
