NSW:Carr tallks on Olympics and Aboriginal health

AAP General News (Australia)
02-16-2000
NSW:Carr tallks on Olympics and Aboriginal health

SYDNEY, Feb 16 AAP - An outstanding Olympic Games this year would not detract from
efforts to improve welfare for Aboriginal Australians, New South Wales Premier Bob Carr
said today.

"It's my position that we can run a great Olympic Games and tackle the challenges of
Aboriginal health and Aboriginal disadvantage in general," Mr Carr told a press club luncheon
in Canberra.

"We can do both."

Mr Carr said his government announced the $400 million Aboriginal Advantage Scheme
two years ago to inject money into indigenous communities.

"And we are making enormous progress," he said.

"Aboriginal Australians continue to be disadvantaged but I don't believe that has got
any implications for a splendid Olympics which advertises and promotes Australian achievements
to the world."

International medical and humanitarian agency, Medecins Sans Frontiers, has recently
indicated it would investigate the possibility of a project addressing Aboriginal health.

Mr Carr reiterated his support for a reconciliation march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Mr Carr has said the May march would be the perfect advertisement to the world that
Australia was not a racist country, saying any demonstrations during the September Games
were not necessary.

AAP jw/sb/rsm

KEYWORD: OLY CARR

2000 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.