In the year 2023, it is disheartening that a seemingly common ailment like an ear infection can serve as a barrier preventing a child from completing their education or securing employment. However, this is the stark reality faced by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children residing in remote areas, where middle ear infections all too frequently become a decisive factor between academic success and long-term joblessness.
Despite the unwavering efforts of their parents, Indigenous children are confronted with a troubling statistic – they are three and a half times more likely to suffer from middle ear infections compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. Multiple factors contribute to this disparity, including limited access to clean running water and a lack of culturally appropriate ear and hearing services.
Tragically, a seemingly innocuous infection can spiral into hearing loss in one or both ears, setting the course for a life markedly different from that of other Australian children. Picture the daunting prospect of completing one’s education after suddenly losing the ability to hear. How can one confidently navigate a job interview if there is uncertainty about hearing the questions?
The statistics paint a grim picture: only 2 out of 5 Indigenous Australians manage to complete year 12. This figure, already distressingly low, dwindles further for Indigenous Australians with hearing impairments, with just 1 in 5 successfully graduating high school.
The consequences of an unfinished education resonate in the job market. While half of Indigenous Australians are employed, among those grappling with hearing loss, only about 3 in 10 find work.
The issue at hand transcends mere health concerns; it encompasses housing, poverty, environmental conditions, and basic amenities. Regrettably, the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children on various health indicators has been narrowing at an agonizingly slow pace, with only 4 of the 19 “Closing the Gap” targets currently on track.
On October 14th of this year, all Australians will be presented with a critical opportunity to enact change by voting ‘yes’ to amend the Constitution and formally recognize the vital role of First Nations Australians through the establishment of a Voice to Parliament.
This Voice will comprise a committee of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals entrusted with advising governments on effective strategies to bridge the gap in health and other critical areas. As the Health Minister, I cannot stress enough how crucial and indispensable this Voice will be, particularly in healthcare.
Despite well-intentioned efforts and substantial bipartisan investments, the current approach has proven ineffective. Just as a skilled doctor listens attentively to their patients for an accurate diagnosis, a Voice to Parliament entails heeding the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to discern better methods of creating a tangible impact.
Conversely, when a doctor fails to listen, the path to a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment becomes significantly more challenging. Money expended on the wrong prescription is money squandered.
Lending an ear to the Indigenous Voice to Parliament will provide invaluable insights on how to optimize the allocation of the hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars dedicated to First Nations health. In doing so, we can take meaningful steps towards addressing the pressing health disparities that persist within our nation.
