QEII Multicultural Health Festival Officially Opens

Health Minister Stephen Robertson today officially opened the Multicultural Health Festival at QEII Hospital on Brisbane’s southside.

Mr Robertson said the festival aimed to promote a more culturally aware public health system in Queensland.

“Queensland is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse States in Australia,” he said.

“More than 40 per cent of Queenslanders were born overseas or have a parent who was born overseas and more than 270 languages are spoken in this State.

“That’s why Queensland Health has a Multicultural Action Plan focused on tackling health care challenges posed by language barriers and different cultural belief systems.

“Among its initiatives is the appointment of a multicultural health coordinator to liaise between health staff and the local community.

“It has also led to the establishment of a bi-lingual health promoter project to act as a bridge between various cultural communities and Queensland Health.

“What makes this festival so important is that this health district on Brisbane’s southside receives the largest number of refugees in Queensland.

“We established the Logan Refugee Health Clinic two years ago and since then we have conducted more than 800 refugee health assessments.

“This program conducts health assessments for all refugees, humanitarian entrants, temporary protection visa holders and refugee claimants and we are now establishing the Brisbane South Refugee Clinic.

“Demand for health services is growing rapidly and it’s vital we continue to provide health services and health advice in a culturally appropriate manner.”

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