AMA President to put spotlight back on Indigenous health
AMA President, Dr Bill Glasson, will seek to get political and community leaders to focus on improving the poor health of Indigenous Australians during a week-long visit to the Northern Territory commencing today.
Dr Glasson, who does pro bono work in Indigenous communities in western Queensland, wants Indigenous Health to be a key issue for the Federal election.
"Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have levels of health worse than people in Third World countries," Dr Glasson said today.
"They have shorter lives, they have sicker lives. It is a national disgrace. We must do more to help them."
One idea Dr Glasson wants to explore during his visit is the concept of social entrepreneurship, whereby a local community leader works to more effectively deliver integrated social, health and education services in their areas.
He wants to learn from experience in this area from former NT Senator, Bob Collins, and Family and Children's Services Minister, Marion Scrymgour, and leading Territory doctors.
Dr Glasson will also discuss health issues with NT Health Minister, Peter Toyne, via video conference.
Dr Glasson is available for interview throughout his visit.
ITINERARY - Dr Glasson Visit to NT:
Friday 16 April 3.00pm - 3.30pm Meeting Lawrence Costa, Chair North West Regional Governing Council of ATSIC
Saturday 17 April 9.00am - 3.00pm GP Training Program, Royal Darwin Hospital
Monday 19 April 10.00am - 11.00am Royal Darwin Hospital Tour
11.00am - 11.30am Meeting Prof Kerin O'Dea, Menzies School of Health Research,
Royal Darwin Hospital
12.00pm - 1.30pm Meeting Bob Collins, former NT senator
2.00pm - 3.00pm Meeting Dawn Lawrie, Danila Dilba Aboriginal Medical Service
Tuesday 20 April 8.00am - 3.00pm Bathurst Island trip
4.00pm - 5.00pm Meeting NT Department of Health representatives
Wednesday 21 April 9.00am - 10.00am Meeting Marion Scrymgour
Family and Children's Services Minister
10.30am - 11.00am DOORSTOP - PRESS CONFERENCE
Entrance Parliament House, Darwin
CONTACT: Judith Tokley (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306