Newsroom

March 27, 2025

Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has praised the efforts of government services and community groups in reducing the rates of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and rheumatic fever by half in the First Australian populations of Mornington Island, Doomadgee and Mount Isa.

“While this is a fantastic outcome moving towards closing the gap, we need to do more; we need to get back to the basics with people having access to fresh fruit and vegetables,” he said.

“When I was minister for Aboriginal affairs in the Queensland Government, communities had market gardens so every family could access fruit and vegetables without paying premium prices for freighting it from down south.

“People in the community were taught and paid to manage these market gardens and the whole community benefited,” Mr Katter said.

First Nations Health executive director Christine Mann said a partnership with Orange Sky to provide access to clean linen and clothing has reduced the incidence of scabies, sores and infected skin conditions and North West HHS have recorded a decrease in RHD in First Australian communities.

The project also includes training health workers, clinicians and community members in the risks and signs of RHD.

Ms Mann is also proud of fostering a culturally inclusive and safe health service.

“We are fortunate to have dedicated First Nations staff that exceeds the national target by three times, with First Nations people currently representing 10 percent of our workforce who work tirelessly to shape solutions to provide services that work towards closing the gap.

“Having a strong and well-represented First Nations workforce, that is complemented by skilled and passionate clinicians and health service support staff, is a solid way we can enhance the accessibility of the health service, ensure culturally safe health care and improve patient experience for First Nations,” Ms Mann said.