its now 40 years since we were apparently given citizenship and counted in the national census (but never asked if this is what i wanted) we continue to be measured against notions of formal equality before the law and democracy -- without any reference to the reasons why we really are not citizens at all of this nation state beyond symbolism and white nationalistic sentiment.
The illegal acquistion by the crown of this country has never been addressed and perhaps never will be. Until this happens and reparations are engaged with we will continue to be 4th Class citizens in a first world nation state.

It seems that for some, culture is only relevant where it suits their spin. Health initiatives, though well-meant and resourced, have been less successful than they could have been because they did not take into account indigenous cultural imperatives and traditions.

To take an example, if we know (as we do) that handwashing with soap after the toilet, before preparing and eating meals, and after changing infants can dramatically reduce disease among indigenous people, why has it been so hard to get young mothers to apply this knowledge and teach their children? To quote WHO:

"Proper handwashing with soap and water is an important barrier to many infectious diseases and promotes better health and well-being… handwashing is one of the most practical and effective ways of preventing the spread of disease."

WHO has a program that has been successful in other countries, but why not here? There are plenty of resources available and no-one has to reinvent the wheel.

What about some positive suggestions on overcoming cultural impediments to improving health? For example, activists could contribute something constructive about integrating traditional health and western medicine.

Recently a Seniors group offered assistance for free with no strings attached. Given that older, experienced medical professionals, teachers and engineers (to take a couple of examples) are part of that group, why was this offer of help spurned by indigenous leaders?

Why have some indigenous communities been getting it right in providing a safe healthy environment while others cannot?

An excellen, timely and important review. Thank you. It is depressing indeed, to read posts from people who still blame indigenous people for their disadvantaged status. The facts are that Indigenous Australians suffer earlier-onset and a much higher incidence of most chronic diseases including kidney and heart disease. They also die on average 17 years younger than other Australians. Yet Indigenous Australians receive less per person in government health funding than non-Indigenous Australians. Experience in the US, Canada and New Zealand suggests that with adequate funding and Indigenous involvement in the development and delivery of their health care services, health equality is possible within 25 years.
And where, I ask are the Churches in this debate? They are the ones claiming the patent on morality, decency, caring and charity. Perhaps some of the eight billion dollars profit made by the Catholic church last year could be directed towards assisting those in need. Joke.

Statistics can be misleading.

Just to be practical for a moment, in one community alone almost all children suffered hearing loss through cleaning their ears with sticks. That points to health education not getting through. What is preventing it from getting through is the question, after all, health promotions on the tele alone advise against cleaning the ears with objects.

To take another example, in some communities women and children are regularly beaten and molested but in others they are safe and are able to take advantage of education. What prevents unsafe communities from becoming safe?

These are simple questions and do not imply any blaming of either 'side'.

Why is it that the most ignored aspect of Indigenous health is the quality and accountability, or lack of it, in the health care provided? Studies invariably focus on the health problems experienced by Indigenous people. Where is the research that investigates or audits the delivery and organisation of actual day to day health care? Why is it that in remote area Aboriginal communities the least prepared, least supported, most invisible personnel, that is remote area nurses with a high staff turnover are often working alone and assumed to provide adequate health care. A kind of care that is often referred to as 'band-aid'? Why is this tolerated ? Who will go out of the spiral of silence, the cover-ups, and debate where responsibility lies for safe and proper standards of health care?

Very good questions in both previous posts. Here's another. Why are there no howls of contemptuous protest when John howard states that Australia is founded on the notions of Equality and Fairplay?