AMA welcomes the return of the Pride Flag to RDH

The pride flags were removed from Royal Darwin Hospital and Palmerston Regional Hospital foyers earlier this year. The official reason provided for the removal to the AMA NT was that the flags were in breach of NT flag protocol. However, this has been proven to not be the case. The flags flown in the foyers were compliant with the flag protocol at the time, with the Australian and NT flags taking precedence, and the displays had been in place for five years prior without issue. 

LGBTQI+ individuals face a much higher burden of disease than the general public. Nearly three in five have experienced a mental health disorder in the past twelve months, versus one in five of the general population. Almost half have attempted suicide in their lifetime, versus 3.5% of the general population. 

AMA NT President Dr John Zorbas stated "In healthcare, we don't put casts on unbroken arms. The resources are directed to the burden of healthcare and disease. That is why these symbols matter. This is a group that has been heavily stigmatised, and the flags are one way of saying this is a welcome space where you can come for your healthcare. This has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with healthcare". 

The AMA NT would like to commend the work of the NT Health Chief Executive, Mr Chris Hosking, for his support of the NT Health LGBTQI+ working group and for helping to make RDH a safer place to seek healthcare.

Media Contact: Fiona Crombie 0419 827 350 fcrombie@amant.com.au