Public Forum on Racism and Culture as Social Determinants

Around 70 people from the health and community sectors will gather in Melbourne tomorrow for a public forum on Racism and Culture as Social Determinants. The forum is being hosted by the national Social Determinants of Health Alliance (SDOHA).

“Given recent public debate on the treatment of asylum seekers and efforts to ‘Close the Gap’ in health and social outcomes for Indigenous Australians, we think it’s time for governments to acknowledge and address the impact of factors such as racism and culture on health outcomes for particular population groups,” said Martin Laverty, Chair of SDOHA.

“Evidence shows that people who are marginalised and disadvantaged suffer a disproportionate burden in terms of negative health and social outcomes. The role that racism and culture play in this context is significant. Cultural factors also impact on health outcomes for a diverse range of population groups, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Australians.

“In terms of appropriate responses, the evidence-based recommendations from the World Health Organisation's Commission on the Social Determinants of Health Report have reaped benefits around the world, but we have yet to see Australian governments commit to their implementation,” said Mr Laverty.

Speakers at the forum include: • Professor Dennis McDermott (Faculty of Health Sciences, Flinders University); • Associate Professor Yin Paradies (Centre for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University); • Dr Barri Phatarfod (Doctors for Refugees); • Professor Andrew Markus (School of Philosophical, Historical and International Studies, Monash University); • Liam Leonard (Director, Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria); • Katherine Thurber (Doctoral Candidate, Australian National University)