Indigenous Health Funding Crisis
The Australian Democrats are calling for an additional investment of $452 million to address the appalling status of Indigenous health in Australia. At a time of record national prosperity, and with billions being pledged by both political parties to improve Australia’s health system, the ehalth of Indigenous Australians continues to be in crisis. Premature death rates amongst Indigenous communities are 3-4 times that on of the non-Indigenous population, and rampant drug and alcohol abuse continues unabated. A deep sense of frustration exists because Indigenous health problems appear to be far removed from the priorities of Australia’s major political parties. David Meadows is the Chair of the Indigenous Health Taskforce, a sub-committee of the Australian Medical Association.