Dr Michael Gracey appointed first university chair of Aboriginal health

23/10/97

A renowned and highly regarded Western Australian paediatrician who specialises in Aboriginal health has been appointed Australia's first university chair of Aboriginal health.

Health Minister Kevin Prince and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Dr Kim Hames today announced that Dr Michael Gracey would fill the newly created position of Professor in Aboriginal Health in the School of Public Health at Curtin University.

Dr Gracey is the Principal Medical Adviser at the Health Department of Western Australia's Office of Aboriginal Health.

Dr Gracey has been involved in many projects relating to maternal and child health, child nutrition, growth and infectious disease for more than 25 years.

His work, particularly in the area of childhood diarrhoea and nutrition, has been internationally reported in almost 200 original papers and publications including the Medical Journal of Australia, Annals of Tropical Paediatrics and in several text books.

He is president elect of the International Paediatric Association, which includes almost 150 member countries and represents 400,000 paediatricians.

Dr Gracey's interest in Aboriginal health largely developed from a month-long visit to the Kimberley region in 1971 where he assessed the health and nutrition of children for the then Commissioner of Health.

His work, particularly among the Aboriginal population in the North-West of Australia, has been recognised both nationally and internationally.

"Professor Gracey has worked tirelessly over many years to address specific health issues facing WA's Aboriginal community and his impeccable reputation and achievements in this area make him the logical choice for this very important position," Mr Prince said.

"This is a ground-breaking development which will undoubtedly help overcome the misunderstandings and lack of knowledge by health professionals about the complexities of Aboriginal health.

"It should also help establish Aboriginal health as a professional discipline within its own right."

Dr Hames said Professor Gracey, who will take up his new position immediately, would work closely with the Centre for Aboriginal Studies at Curtin University.

"The health and well-being of Aboriginal people in this State is of significant concern to the State Government," Dr Hames said.

"It is widely known that the health of Aboriginal people is well below the standard experienced by non-Aboriginal people in this State.

"Professor Gracey's appointment will facilitate our aim to improve the general health and well being and life expectancy of Aboriginal people.

"He will play a vital role in ensuring graduate health professionals are better informed about Aboriginal health issues.

"He will encourage scholarship and appropriate research into this area as well as develop professional and community understanding about Aboriginal health."

Media contact: Peter Harris 9222 9211 / Caroline Lacy 9424 7450