Unhealthy encounters : legacies and challenges for the health status of settler and Aboriginal communities

The author outlines the differences that exist in the health status of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, aiming to provide a clear picture of differences in health status now, and over time. Next he presents data on use of health services by Aboriginal Australians, showing quite marked differences from use by non- Aboriginal people; and makes some international comparisons, seeking to determine whether the health status of Indigenous people in places like New Zealand and North America is as bad as it is here. The author considers why the health status of Australian Indigenous people is so poor, exploring the determinants of health and health status in these communities. Finally, he presents some suggestions about what can be done, how we can respond - as a society, as organisations and as individuals - in very practical ways.