AMA endorses Uluru Statement
The AMA Federal Council has endorsed the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which calls for a First Nations’ voice in the Australian Constitution.
AMA President, Dr Tony Bartone, said that the AMA has for many years supported Indigenous recognition in the Australian Constitution, and that the Uluru Statement is another significant step in making that recognition a reality.
“The Uluru Statement expresses the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in regard to self-determination and status in their own country,” Dr Bartone said.
“The AMA is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“It was a fairly clear-cut decision for us to make,” Dr Bartone told ABC AM.
“Closing the gap in health services and outcomes requires a multi-faceted approach.
“Cooperation and unity of purpose from all Australian governments is needed if we are to achieve meaningful and lasting improvements.
“This will involve addressing the social determinants of health - the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age.
“Constitutional recognition can underpin all these endeavours, as we work to improve the physical and mental health of Indigenous Australians.”
Read more about the AMA’s endorsement of the Uluru Statement from the Heart
