Denial of constitutional recognition should mobilise efforts to end stark health inequity
In a national referendum in October 2023 Australians voted against recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples constitutionally and creating an Indigenous federal advisory body the Voice to Parliament.1 Leaders of over 125 health organisations had supported the proposals to help improve health outcomes among these peoples.2 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience stark health and social inequities,3 including living on average 10 years less than non-Indigenous Australians3 and having rates of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease greater than in other high income countries.4
A constitutional voice would have increased autonomy. When Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians have more say over their own affairs, access to health services and outcomes improve567: the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation’s services provide high
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