Thanks minister, but don't mention the 'p' word

There are major challenges in this area which need to be led by the health sector. To date, we have seen very poor implementation of the National Strategic Framework on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, which identifies ways forward on the issues raised by the minister.

Any campaign to improve Indigenous health will require a focus on specific diseases and conditions, an address to social determinants of health, such as income, housing, education, employment and functional communities, and an address to the position of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australian society.

My office recently hosted a visit to Australia by Sir Michael Marmott, chairperson of the World Health Organisation's Commission on Social Determinants and Health, who noted the importance of social circumstances in improving health status in the long term, and the importance of empowerment and participation in achieving this outcome.

Ironically, reducing Indigenous participation and responsibility could work against the objectives stated by the minister and leave Indigenous peoples worse off - if that is possible.