Indigenous Ageing Issues More Than A Footnote

The report, produced by the Prime Minister's Science, Engineering and Innovation Council, states "that the ageing of the Australian population presents unprecedented challenges and opportunities to our society in relation to the economy and living standards, health and welfare, and the wellbeing and quality of life of all Australians, regardless of their age or state of health."

AMA Vice President and Chair of the AMA's Committee on the Care of Older People, Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, said the fact that Aboriginal people live, on average, 20 years less than other Australians is a national disgrace and the report should have addressed this.

"The report is only able to present a rosy picture of the health of older Australians because of the exclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians from the data, and thus the analysis.

"Despite what the Prime Minister's Science, Engineering and Innovation Council may believe, there are many ageing Indigenous Australians. These people deserve to be acknowledged and their needs appropriately assessed and met.

"The AMA calls on the Government to send the report back to the Science, Engineering and Innovation Council for revision to include Indigenous ageing issues.

"While the Council's message is positive, it should include all Australians.

"Ageing is an integral part of life and it should be anticipated with optimism and a positive attitude.

"It is especially galling that during NAIDOC week - a week that seeks to celebrate and promote Indigenous culture - that the Government releases a report that effectively denies the existence of this very significant part of the Australian community."

CONTACT:     John Flannery               (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761

Judith Tokley                (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306