Media Release
AFL Star becomes Human Services Indigenous Ambassador
Tuesday, 14 November 2006
Minister for Human Services, The Hon. Joe Hockey MP, has today announced champion Sydney Swans footballer Michael O’Loughlin as the newest Indigenous Ambassador for the Department of Human Services.
“Michael’s successes on and off the sporting field make him a wonderful role model,” Minister Hockey said. “Michael’s new role will see him working with Indigenous communities to ensure they have the best possible access to health and social services.
“Visiting remote and regional areas throughout Australia will give Michael firsthand experience of how people access government services in Indigenous communities. He can then provide feedback to the agencies and myself about how we can boost these services.”
Michael said he was thrilled to join the Indigenous Ambassadors Programme and is looking forward to making a difference to the lives of Australian people.
“The Department already has an extensive network of Indigenous specialist staff,” Michael said. “I’m really honoured to get this opportunity in the Indigenous Ambassadors Programme because it’s a great initiative that really gives something back to the communities.”
Michael’s work will include visiting regional and remote areas around the country to help promote awareness of vital government services available to Indigenous people.
Minister Hockey said Michael’s new role would reinforce the tremendous work of the Department’s other Indigenous Ambassadors – Olympic hurdler Kyle Vander-Kuyp, women’s touch football champion Bo de la Cruz and rugby league legend Arthur Beetson.
“I’m excited to be joining Kyle, Bo and Arthur,” Michael said. “Their visits to remote Indigenous communities have provided a valuable insight for the Minister into the daily challenges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face.”
The Indigenous Ambassadors Programme is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to Indigenous Australians.
The DHS Indigenous Ambassadors represent six government agencies – Centrelink, Medicare Australia , the Child Support Agency, Australian Hearing, CRS Australia and Health Services Australia.