Media Release by The Hon Jenny Macklin MP

Government welcomes GenerationOne’s address to the nation

Joint Media Release with:

  • Jenny Macklin MP, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs

  • Senator the Hon Mark Arbib, Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Participation

The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, and the Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development, Mark Arbib, today congratulated GenerationOne for their address to the nation on ending the disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Thirteen year old Madeleine Madden’s address to the nation showed that if we harness the determination of all Australians – Indigenous and non-Indigenous – we can take the necessary steps to close the gap in life expectancy, education and employment.

Each and every one of us has a role to play in creating a better future for Indigenous Australians.

Madeleine’s message, broadcast tonight to six million Australians on free-to-air television, recognises that this is not something governments can do on their own.

Governments, Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, businesses and the community sector must all work together to build a better country for our first Australians.

The Government applauds GenerationOne for their grass-roots campaign to bring all Australians together to create equal opportunities for Indigenous people.

Launched in March 2010, GenerationOne already has 53,000 supporters.

The Australian Government looks forward to continuing to work with GenerationOne and the Australian Employment Covenant to create jobs and a better future for Indigenous Australians.