Health review ideas heard by Minister

BY JEN ENOSA & CHRISTINE HOWES

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“And where we’ve landed is there will be that review with independent clinicians, one of whom will be a Torres Strait Islander, one of whom will be Aboriginal, and they will then report back to a ministerial and community task force that will work alongside that review,” Minister Fentiman said.

“Community leaders really expressed a desire to be involved and to hold that inquiry and review accountable, particularly if any recommendations come out of that review.”

She said Terms of Reference would include looking at how the Torres Strait Model of Care might be supported.

“That’s in the terms of reference, about how can we get back to local Torres Strait Islanders taking responsibility and making decisions about local community members and their healthcare,” she said.

“The Torres Strait Model of Care is all about empowering Torres Strait leadership, and that’s what both Cynthia and I are really passionate about.”

She said she was aware of some frustration from the community.

“I think there was some frustration, but there was also some really great practical ideas for the future, and I think that’s what we want to do going forward is come together to really put in place some practical changes,” she said.

Ms Lui said the review was an important step towards achieving addressing some of the issues and allowing the community the opportunity to speak directly to the Minister and the Government.

“I will continue to work closely with the minister to look at the best possible ways moving forward,” she said.