Xavier Clarke putting his support behind the NATSISS (Media Release)

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MEDIA RELEASE
16 February 2015
Embargo: 11.30 am (Canberra time)
17/2015

NT Thunder Coach, Xavier Clarke supports the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey


The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey (NATSISS) is part of an established program of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander statistics collected by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

It gathers detailed information on the socio-economic progress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people every six years, covering a wide range of social subject matter including health related topics such as long term health conditions, disability and self-assessed health. This information is important for guiding government policies says Xavier Clarke, coach of the Australian rules football club NT Thunder.

“If you get selected to participate, it’s really important that you identify and agree to take part in the survey." said Mr Clarke "Social surveys such as the NATSISS help government shape policies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

"I think it’s critical that we capture information about Indigenous health, to ensure we are providing the right services to keep Indigenous people healthy and sustain their health throughout their whole lives,”

For the first time, the 2014-15 NATSISS will collect information on adult participation in organised sport and will continue to collect data on child participation in organised sport and their physical activity. While almost three out of four Indigenous children (aged between 4-14) were physically active for at least 60 minutes every day in the week prior to the interview in the 2008 NATSISS, children in remote areas were more likely to be physically active every day than those living in major cities (84 per cent compared with 65 per cent).

“With the obesity rates of Australian children growing it’s important that we identify physical activity levels and seek out ways to ensure children all over Australia are participating in sports." said Mr Clarke.

"I remember as a kid I was always outside kicking the footy or playing basketball against my brothers.

"Sport played a big part in my life and it continues to do so today in my role as Coach.

"Many of my family members have diabetes, so for me an active lifestyle isn’t a choice, it’s a must.

"Share your story; help build the real Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander story.”

Specially trained Interviewers started collecting information from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia in September 2014 and will continue to do so until May 2015. The first results will be released from March 2016.

A video describing the NATSISS is available for viewing at http://www.abs.gov.au/natsiss

For more information on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander statistics visit https://www.abs.gov.au

Media note:
When reporting ABS data the Australian Bureau of Statistics (or ABS) must be attributed as the source