Launching on Monday 26th November at an event in Federal Parliament, a new alliance of non-government organisations and individuals have announced they will work for better delivery and outcomes in remote Australia.
The Outback Alliance is a wide cross-sector of organisations who all provide services for Outback communities, working together towards Outback prosperity for businesses, health, environment and community underpinned by regional development and digital infrastructure.
“The Outback is a unique place managed by special people. It covers more than 70% of the Australian continent with only 4 percent of the population, contributing a considerable portion of Australia’s wealth. It is one of the very few great natural places remaining on Earth, and is fundamental to the nation’s history and culture,” said Dr. Barry Traill, Australian Director of Pew Charitable Trusts.
“However, policies on health, communications, education, environment and other areas are often poorly delivered into remote Australia because of a failure to take account of the particular needs and characteristics of very small, remote communities,” said Dr. Trail.
“Improving health outcomes for people living in the Outback requires improved social and economic conditions and expanded access to service,” said Royal Flying Doctors Service CEO Dr. Martin Laverty.
“It is well documented that social and economic improvement leads to better health. Efforts to ensure greater school completion rates, higher employment, and better housing are key ways to improve the social determinants of health in Outback Australians.”
“Increased funding and resources for health outcomes in the Outback will ultimately result in longer term reductions in the costs of health care, and greatly improved livelihoods for the people who live there,” said Dr. Laverty.
The Outback Alliance is comprised of: Australian Rangelands Society, Royal Flying Doctors Service, Ninti One, Isolated Children’s Parents Association, Kimberley Land Council, Pew Charitable Trusts, Rangelands NRM Alliance, Desert Knowledge Australia, Broadband for the Bush Alliance and the Arid Lands Environment Centre.
