Queensland State Election Advocating for health equity

Queensland State Election

The polling booths have now closed with a new cabinet leading Queensland for the next four years. The Government’s immediate priorities will focus on managing the COVID-19 pandemic and stimulating economic recovery for Queensland.

QAIHC advocated for health equity in the lead up to the election and many ATSICCHOs joined QAIHC in speaking to political candidates to advocate for the sector.

Working with Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council

qaihc.com.au | 1 2020 Queensland State Election Member Service Guide

Health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

QAIHC’s political asks:

1 Speak up in support of equity:

Advocate for equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; support legislation that will ensure health equity; and address institutional racism in the health system by holding hospitals accountable to Health Equity Strategies.

2 Champion the new National Agreement on Closing the Gap: In partnership with Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the community-controlled sectors, implement the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

3 Foster a culture of diversity in your community: Eradicate interpersonal and institutional racism. 4 Demand Health Reform: Create a health system that delivers high value, family centred care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders that is free from racism.

5 Keep Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples out of hospitals where possible:

Devolve non-acute care to the ATSICCHO Sector and other culturally safe health care providers.

6 Create structures to ensure accountability: Ensure accountability and transparency of health reform through creating structures such as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Equity Board to develop and oversee health equity strategy accountability measures.

2020 QUEENSLAND STATE ELECTION QAIHC MEMBER SERVICE GUIDE | 72020 QUEENSLAND STATE ELECTION MEMBER SERVICE GUIDE | 7

Your MP is appointed to represent all the people in their electorate (their constituents). This means they need to be active in the electorate and in touch with what is happening. They also need to give help and advice to their constituents, promote the Government’s policies to their community, and help the Government understand the needs of their region. To help our newly appointed (or reappointed) MPs settle in you might like to: write to your MP and congratulate them on their appointment invite them to attend community events tag them in your social media posts that highlight your concerns and the concerns of the community help them to understand your community and why health equity is needed

ask them to raise your community’s needs in Parliament. If you are interested in understanding more about the role of your MP visit parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/explore/education/factsheets/ Factsheet_3.17_RoleOfMemberParliament.pdf

... a health system that delivers high value, family centered care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders that is free from racism.