Federal and State Government expenditure on Indigenous Australians is improving lives and will get even better results if there is greater consultation with those directly affected, says the CEO of The Fred Hollows Foundation, Brian Doolan. 

Mr Doolan was commenting on the release of The Federal Government's Strategic Review of Indigenous Expenditure.

"While some waste has occurred at all levels of government - mainly through duplication of services and bloated bureaucracies - the vast majority of investment into Indigenous communities is having an impact and improving the lives of people on the ground," he said.

"In recent years we've seen an increase in Indigenous life expectancy, falls in infant mortality rates and a welcome proliferation of Aboriginal community-controlled health services, right around the country.

"It's a long-term project to turn things around and close the gap on Indigenous inequity, so it's important that governments consult directly with people and continue to invest appropriately in Australia's most disadvantaged people."

Learn about The Foundation's work in Indigenous Australia.