Health ministers yesterday released the National Review into First Nations Health Care in Prisons, which sets out a pathway for systemic reform.
Senator Thorpe has said the federal government needs to take a leading role to ensure the recommendations of the review are adopted.
The Review recommends:
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National leadership and coordinated efforts focusing on accountability, transparency and data.
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Solutions must be driven and determined by First Nations people and communities.
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First Nations community-controlled health services should be resourced to deliver health care tailored to the needs of First Peoples in prison.
The review highlighted the frustration of First Nations communities at government failure to implement recommendations from the 33-year-old Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, many of which are repeated in this review.
The National Network of Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls said that the review falls short in key areas. Read the National Network media release here.
Thorpe has long called on the government to deliver better healthcare in the prison system, including allowing prisoners to access the Medicare, National Disability Insurance Scheme and PBS available to the public.
Quotes attributable to Lidia Thorpe, Gunnai, Gunditjmara and Djab Wurrung independent Victorian Senator:
"For decades, our communities have pushed to stop people being killed by the system.
"Everyone has a right to see a doctor, access medication and receive treatment. But right now people in prison aren’t getting this and are dying preventable deaths.
"This is a matter of life or death for our people.
"It’s good that the federal government is finally taking interest in this issue. But for real change to occur, they need to show leadership and take action.
"Solutions must be driven and determined by First Peoples and our communities, who have been calling for action since the 1991 Royal Commission.
"It is unacceptable that the health ministers have avoided making any real commitments to meaningful action in their joint response.
"Governments have spent decades avoiding responsibility. A report means nothing if it’s all talk and no action."