Queensland casts focus on refugee health and wellbeing

A practical guide for healthcare professionals has been launched to improve the health and wellbeing of refugees in Queensland as the state gears up for more refugees arriving.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Cameron Dick said many refugees experience traumatic events such as psychological trauma or torture, deprivation and prolonged poverty, and poor access to healthcare prior to arrival in Australia.

“As a result, many refugees arriving in Australia have multiple and complex physical and psychological health problems,” he said.

“We are undertaking a Refugee Health and Wellbeing Project, which will include the development and implementation of a Refugee Health and Wellbeing Framework, a Refugee Health and Wellbeing Policy and Action Plan and a Refugee Health and Wellbeing Network.”

Currently, Queensland accepts 1,650 refugees annually, about 12 per cent of the national intake. But over the next five years, the national intake will increase by 5,000, and it is expected that an extra 500 refugees per year will settle in Queensland.

In addition, the Premier has also offered to settle up to 3,500 refugees in Queensland that have been displaced by the conflict in Syria.

Mr Dick, who is also the member for Woodridge, said that many of the new arrivals in Queensland settled in his electorate or the broader Logan City.

Mr Dick said Refugee health and wellbeing: A strategic framework for Queensland demonstrated the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to improving refugee health and wellbeing in Queensland.

“Refugees make significant positive contributions to Queensland’s communities and we must make sure that appropriate services and supports are in place to assist with their settlement in Queensland,” he said.

“This framework is a practical tool for healthcare professionals as well as a first step in developing a refugee health and wellbeing policy structure for Queensland.”

Mr Dick said Queensland Health partnered with non-government organisations as well as the primary healthcare sector in developing and delivering the Framework.

For more information on the framework, visit http://www.health.qld.gov.au/public-health/groups/multicultural/refugee-services/default.asp

ENDS

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