The Australian Medical Association has welcomed the release of Australia's first National Action Plan for the Health and Wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ people as a roadmap to improve the health and wellbeing of the LGBTQIASB+ community.
The action plan, released by the Department of Health and Aged Care on Wednesday, sets out a much-needed plan to improve the care and support LGBTQIASB+ people receive and deliver better physical and mental health outcomes across the community.
AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said the AMA has identified LGBTQIASB+ health as a priority area for all governments, with people who are LGBTQIASB+ experiencing a range of barriers to accessing healthcare.
We share the action plan's vision of a future with equitable health and wellbeing outcomes, through access to safe, respectful, high-quality and inclusive health and wellbeing services.
The action plan sets out a range of areas for focus encompassing prevention, access, capability and research — all of which can make a real and positive difference to health care outcomes for LGBTIQASB+ people. It will be important for governments to work with the LGBTIQASB+ community and other stakeholders to implement the action plan and ensure its vision is fully realised.
Dr McMullen congratulated members of the LGBTQIASB+ health sector for their work on the plan.
"People who are LGBTQIASB+ thrive in healthcare environments where they feel safe, affirmed, respected and understood," Dr McMullen said.
"The principles of patient-centred care, consent, non-discrimination, bodily autonomy, and respect are central to healthcare for people who are LGBTQIASB+.
"LGBTQIASB+ people deserve nothing less."
