Tribute to Puggy Hunter, Indigenous Health Advocate
AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, said today she was shocked and saddened to hear of the death overnight of leading indigenous health advocate, Dr Puggy Hunter.
Puggy Hunter was Chair of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO).
Dr Phelps said Puggy Hunter was an inspiration to everyone involved with or interested in indigenous health. He was admired and respected at the AMA.
"Puggy was a tireless worker for his people," Dr Phelps said.
"Plagued by ill-health for much of his adult life, he always put the health of others ahead of his own.
"He travelled the country championing the cause of indigenous Australians with some of the worst health outcomes in the world.
"He was a fearless advocate not afraid to take on politicians and bureaucracies.
"And he was a man of great compassion and commitment to improving the health of indigenous Australians."
Dr Phelps said Puggy had taken her for a visit to his community in Broome last year and made her aware of the health issues confronting indigenous Australians.
"Puggy made an impressive presentation at this year's AMA National Conference in Melbourne and his work has helped the AMA shape its indigenous health policies,' Dr Phelps said.
"Puggy Hunter leaves an important legacy that must be carried on if indigenous Australians are to ever enjoy health services and standards that other Australians take for granted."
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761
Sarah Crichton (02) 6270 5472 / (0419) 440 076