Updated AMA position statement on Health in Custodial Settings
A new position statement from the AMA has called on governments to ensure the medical and health rights of young people and adults in custody and has once again called for the age of criminal responsibility in all jurisdictions to be raised to a minimum of 14 years of age.
The 2023 AMA Custodial Health Position Statement updates the previous AMA position, with an emphasis on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled services, culturally safe health care services and stronger supports for people who are leaving custody, returning to the community.
The position statement was covered by the Guardian which highlighted the AMA’s calls on governments to divert people away from incarceration and implement the recommendations of the 1991 Aboriginal deaths in custody royal commission, and to ensure people in custody retain their entitlement to Medicare and the pharmaceutical benefits scheme.
AMA President Professor Steve Robson said custodial health providers also needed to ensure people had access to appropriate mental health care, primary and specialist care services and continuity of care with community health and other service providers, post-release. Lack of access to MBS fragmented care, with people having to start again on their health journey after release.
