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An opportunity to transform Australia’s neo-colonial health system

Making Education Easy

Authors:
Summary:

A research article investigating the values-based healthcare (VBHC) movement in Australia has noted that the movement provides an opportunity to acknowledge, honour and learn from global Indigenous knowledge, systems, and ways of valuing knowing, being and doing. The author states that efforts to implement VBHC are doomed to fail until the settler-colonial violence and systemic racism pervading Australia’s healthcare system is addressed.

Comment:
A considered response to the recent No vote that withdrew support to having Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders voices at tables for decision-planning, funding and making. My favourite quote is this: “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities are not asking permission to speak, we are inviting settler-colonial Australia to listen…..to the knowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities so graciously continue to offer.”
Reference: Aust Health Rev. 2024. doi: 10.1071/ AH24028.
Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

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