AIDA Welcomes Vaping Reform Bill 2024

The Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) is pleased to see the outcome of the Vaping Reforms Bill 2024 that passed Federal Parliament on Wednesday last week which will now see vaping products only dispensed at pharmacies, without a prescription, to those aged over 18 years.  This is an important step forward in protecting young people from accessing … Continued

AIDA Welcomes Increased Funding to Specialist Trainee Support (STSP) Program

The Specialist Trainee Support Program (STSP) in the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) is receiving $4 million funding over four years, according the 2024-25 Federal budget announcement. Increased investment in Indigenous health care is crucial for Closing the Gap and improving the overall well-being of Indigenous communities.  This funding will enable AIDA to continue working … Continued

AIDA Calls for Placement Equity for Medical Students

The Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) is calling on the federal government to include medical students in the cost-of-living support for teaching, nursing and social work students and create financial parity.  The lack of financial support for medical students during their placements is a barrier to some Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students enrolling in medical studies and contributing … Continued

AIDA Pays Respects to Leading Indigenous Health Advocate Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue

It is with great sadness that the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) acknowledges formidable Indigenous health advocate Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue who passed away on Sunday morning. A true trailblazer, Dr Lowitja’s O’Donoghue’s tireless efforts paved the way for the advancement of healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue, a Yankunytjatjara woman, dedicated … Continued

More than half of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainee doctors are still experiencing or witnessing harassment, discrimination and racism.

The 2023 Medical Training Survey (MTS) has revealed that 54% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainee doctors have experienced and/or witnessed bullying, discrimination and harassment, including racism, compared to 35% of all trainees nationally.   While there has been a slight decrease from 55% in 2022, the persistently high figure indicates a concerning trend across the five … Continued

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Doctors Celebrated in lutruwita / Tasmania

The Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) has recently welcomed 400 people to nipaluna (Hobart) to celebrate its annual conference, bringing members and partners to lutruwita for the first time since 2010. Conference highlights included keynote speeches from an Aboriginal owned and operated social enterprise The Kings Narrative and NAIDOC Person of the Year 2023, Professor … Continued

AIDA Welcomes Increased Funding to Support Specialist Training

The Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) is being further bolstered with a $900,000 funding boost for the Specialist Trainee Support Program (STSP) which endeavours to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors are supported to specialise in their chosen field once graduating from medical school. AIDA’s CEO, Donna Burns welcomed the news announced by Minister … Continued

Why I’m voting YES: Debunking the misinformation on the Voice to Parliament

As a registered nurse, CEO of the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) and a Wiradjuri descendant with extensive experience, and a longstanding commitment to improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes, it has become increasingly important to me to share why I am voting Yes on October 14th.   This referendum is more than politics, it … Continued

AIDA and AMA sign agreement to help close Indigenous health gap

MEDIA RELEASE Tackling serious health inequities affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is at the heart of a new agreement between the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) and the Australian Medical Association (AMA). The two organisations signed a memorandum of understanding today, cementing a shared commitment towards addressing these issues, as well as empowering … Continued