18 May 2006
AMA helps to highlight chronic health situation of Indigenous Australians
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma congratulated the Australian Medical Association (AMA) on today"s launch of an easy-to-read report card which highlights the chronic health situation of Indigenous Australians.
"Undue Punishment? Aboriginal People and Torres Strait islanders in prison: An unacceptable reality" outlines the horrifying effects of prison on the Indigenous population. The figures in the report highlight the disproportionate number of Indigenous Australians in prison and their appalling health statistics. These include:
- More than one third of women, and about half of all men in the general prison population drank hazardous or harmful amounts of alcohol.
- Illicit drug use was rife before prison, with 74% of women and 64% of men using drugs. More than half of these prisoners continued injecting drugs while incarcerated.
- Many inmates reported sexual abuse at a young age and many had experienced violent relationships.
- More than 30% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners were taken from their parents as children, and a third of those were never returned. 31% of Indigenous women and 21% of Indigenous men in prison reported that their parents had been forcibly removed from their families as children.
- The literacy/numeracy assessment process applied to all prisoners in South Australia as they enter prison indicates that up to 60% are operating at a level of literacy ability below a functional standard.
- In NSW in 2003 almost half of those arriving in prison (46%) and over one third (38%) of sentenced inmates had suffered from a mental disorder (psychosis, affective disorder or anxiety disorder) in the previous 12 months. Female prisoners had a higher incidence of psychiatric disorder than their male counterparts.
"Considering that these statistics are produced annually, I question what analysis and policy interventions state systems and the federal government are implementing in partnership with Indigenous Australians to address the life circumstances that contribute to the chronic over-representation of Indigenous people in prison," Mr Calma said.
"Initiatives such as early intervention programs are needed in home communities to address the underlying reasons for offending. These must be complemented by programs while prisoners are in custody and following their release.
"Healing and social development programs that work with the offenders are essential to curb recidivism and nurture healthy communities. Mental illness in particular must be diagnosed and treated early."
The report card is available on the AMA website at www.ama.com.au
Media Contact: Paul Oliver (02) 9284 9677 or 0408 469 347
Last updated 12 May, 2006
