Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Aboriginal health restored to its proper priority

By Jacqueline Phillips - posted Friday, 17 September 2010


The Prime Minister’s announcement of her new Ministry last Saturday provoked an anxious response from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector. Without explanation, the Indigenous Health Ministry had dropped off the list.

The sector was left wondering whether this signaled a downgrade in the priority accorded to Aboriginal health under the new Gillard Government.

A number of organisations, including ANTaR, publicly expressed their concerns about this change and the shift it seemed to signal.

Advertisement

The Health Minister, Nicola Roxon, has ultimate responsibility for all aspects of the health portfolio. Importantly, she is also a member of Cabinet. However, the appointment of an Indigenous Health Minister under the Rudd government sent a clear and positive signal that achieving Aboriginal health equality was a key priority for the government.

Practically, it also facilitated much better access to a responsible Minister, opened dialogue between government and the sector and ensured that the Close the Gap health rights agenda maintained momentum.

Nicola Roxon’s announcement on Lateline on Monday night that the government had reconsidered its decision, with Warren Snowdon to continue as the dedicated Indigenous Health Minister, was therefore welcome news.

It is difficult to know what to make of this episode.

The initial omission of the Indigenous health portfolio could have been a clumsy oversight, a deliberate policy to mainstream Indigenous health or a tactical decision to elevate the portfolio within the general health portfolio by cutting out the middleman.

Without further explanation from government, it is impossible to know which.

Advertisement

However, the reversal of the decision should be seen as a positive sign that the Gillard Government is listening to stakeholders and willing to admit mistakes.

Warren Snowdon is well regarded within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector and has built constructive, respectful relationships during his time as Minister.

The challenge now is for the two ministers with responsibility for Indigenous health to work collaboratively to ensure that the Aboriginal health issues are not sidelined from the mainstream health reform agenda. At the same time, they need to recognise the specific needs and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations.

  1. Pages:
  2. Page 1
  3. 2
  4. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

26 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Jacqueline Phillips is the National Director for Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation.

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Article Tools
Comment 26 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy