Senator the Hon Nigel Scullion

PO Box 6100
Senate
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Telephone: (02) 6277 7780
Fax: (02) 6273 7096

Dear Senator Nigel Scullion,

My name is Rosette Zerella and I am a current student at Flinders University, studying a double
degree of Education and Health Sciences. Throughout my studies this year it has been brought
to my attention the sheer injustice Indigenous Australians experience with their health.
Death caused by cardiovascular diseases are incessantly growing within both Indigenous and
non-Indigenous communities. However, many risk factors associated with CVD are in fact
preventable, and if addressed, have the capability to reduce the degree of burden
cardiovascular disease have upon the Indigenous population (Australian Health and Welfare
2014). In 2004-2008, a total of 6,443 deaths amongst the Indigenous population could have
been avoided if appropriate health care was sought in a timely manner (Urquhart 2009).
Thousands of people are dying at a far younger age than statistics are saying they should. The
real issue here are the factors are preventable, we have the ability to change these disturbing
statistics. lets start with education.
Education is an important social determinant that has a prime opportunity to shape the
Indigenous community. Taken from a study conducted in 2012, more than 25% of the surveyed
teachers acknowledge they need more professional development for Indigenous education
(Creative Spirit 2012). As Indigenous Australians experience a poorer level of education,
underlining the factors contributing to this statistic is vital for the economic future of our
society (AIHW 2014). It has been identified that there are several issues that influence the
educational outcomes of the Indigenous community. The lack of relevance of the school
curriculum to Indigenous culture as well as the lack of understanding of Indigenous cultures and
was of learning have been identified as major barriers in the effectiveness of the education
system. Uneducated individuals are uneducated about their health and the impact of certain
diseases.
Making improvements in the health disparities of the Indigenous community can start with
educating the wider community of their culture, beliefs and ways of learning. Educators are the

fundamental counterpart that can rally this new information into schools. However this change
needs to start at a university level. Students studying education at a tertiary level should have
to learn about Indigenous culture, ways of teaching and ways of learning so that can be
transferred into the classrooms. This new approach to education would promote a higher level
of participation of Indigenous students as the new level of education for teachers should allow
a greater depth of knowledge of how to best teach the Indigenous community.
I understand that there is a National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Strategy
being undertaken at the moment but educating our educators is a downstream issue that will
benefit the generation to come.
Preventing the early onset of death can start with education. You have the ability to voice the
words that statistics are showing need to be spoken. The voices of the Indigenous community
can be heard through you. Please assist the Indigenous community in attempting to close this
growing gap.
Yours sincerely,
Rosette Zerella
PO Box 242
Uraidla
Adelaide SA 5142