The Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) welcomes the release of the Productivity Commission’s report on Closing the Gap. We commend the Commission’s analysis and recommendations calling for the government to share power with the Aboriginal Community Controlled sector and embed accountability to drive positive change.
AIDA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Donna Burns recognises that the report’s findings reinforce the urgent need for transformative action within all levels of government.
“As the peak body representing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical workforce, AIDA remains committed to bring our unique medico-cultural perspective to work alongside government as equal partners and create change,” Ms Burns said.
The report recognises that mainstream systems and the culture of those systems need to be fundamentally rethought. AIDA has spent 26 years advocating for meaningful and culturally safe practices in healthcare. This plays a culturally significant role in building trust and achieving better health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities.
AIDA continues to dedicate our purpose to working with health organisations and partners to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with the knowledge that an Indigenous medical workforce is a fundamental part of the solution.
ENDS
The Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) is the peak body representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students and doctors in Australia. Our purpose is to grow ethical and professional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors who will lead and drive equitable and just outcomes for our people.