Curtin University\u2019s new Medical School Dean, Professor Sandra Eades has delivered a powerful call for reconciliation, social justice and health equity for Indigenous Australians, in the annual Rob Riley memorial lecture this week.<\/p>\n
Professor Eades said while the increasing number of Indigenous students completing high school and taking on professional degrees at university is a positive sign of progress, there is still a long way to go in addressing racial inequality in Australia.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe current state of health of Indigenous Australians is a cause for national shame and has its roots in the wholesale exclusion of Indigenous people from Australian society since 1788,\u201d Professor Eades said.<\/p>\n
\u201cA comprehensive approach to improving the health of Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders should involve understanding the close relationships between their social and economic status and their health.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt some point in our growth as a nation there must be a commitment by all Australians to social and educational equity and economic prosperity for Indigenous Australians. Only then will there be significant improvements in the health of Indigenous Australians.\u201d<\/p>\n
Professor Eades said it was encouraging that Indigenous leaders and others were more likely now than in past decades to speak out about racism.<\/p>\n
\u201cAcknowledgement is the first step on a path to end to the corrosive impact of racism on the mental health and life opportunities afforded Indigenous Australians,\u201d Professor Eades said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe riots in the United States are a reminder of the wedge so easily driven into a society when racism is allowed to thrive.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe must refocus and hone our efforts to remain true to our cause and working towards a fair and equitable life that all Indigenous Australians have cause to value.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to acknowledge that the future holds opportunities but also challenges.\u201d<\/p>\n
Curtin University\u2019s Centre for Aboriginal Studies hosts the Rob Riley memorial lecture each year as a celebration of the life and achievements of one of WA\u2019s key Indigenous figures, who worked tirelessly to advance social justice and reconciliation with non-Indigenous Australia. The lecture is part of Curtin\u2019s commitment to National Reconciliation Week.<\/p>\n