The AMA today welcomed the commitment made by the Australian Labor Party to provide $10 million in funding over four years to subsidise training for primary health care professionals in delivering inclusive LGBTQIASB+ healthcare.
AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said all patients deserve safe and inclusive healthcare, and equipping healthcare professionals with the appropriate skills and knowledge to treat LGBTQIASB+ patients is a win for everyone.
"As doctors and healthcare professionals, we understand the importance of providing safe healthcare for patients who identify as LGBTQIASB+ and how this leads to much better health outcomes," Dr McMullen said.
"The AMA has identified LGBTQIASB+ health as a priority area for all governments. Many people who are LGBTQIASB+ still experience a range of barriers to accessing inclusive and safe healthcare.
"In 2023, we released an extensive position statement on LGBTQIASB+ health , which included a call for support for mainstream health services, including by funding training, education and accreditation programs. This funding commitment is a welcome step towards realising this goal."
Dr McMullen said the AMA was very pleased to see the release of Australia's first National Action Plan for the Health and Wellbeing of LGBTQIASB+ people last year and the strong emphasis on support in the plan for training and education to improve health equity for LGBTQIASB+ people, which acknowledges and respects their diversity.
"It's no outrageous thing to point out that people who are LGBTQIASB+ thrive in healthcare environments where they feel safe, affirmed, respected and understood. Training that helps our healthcare professionals to provide this care through understanding the complexities — and diversities — of genders, sexualities and identities helps our patients and communities, as well as improving healthcare as a whole," she said.
"Principles of patient-centred care, consent, non-discrimination, bodily autonomy and respect are as central to LGBTQIASB+ patients as they are to all patients. Training our workforce in inclusive care for LGBTQIASB+ patients helps fulfil a commitment from doctors to the queer community.
"Just a few weeks ago I was thrilled to be able to join the AMA's first ever march at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Our participation in that march was a very public and visible display of our commitment to the queer community. The funding to help doctors come good on that commitment is a very welcome measure."
