Gavin Mooney1. 1. Social and Public Health Economics Research Group, Centre for International Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia. g.mooney@curtin.edu.au
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To put the case that public health professionals have a responsibility to foster a more informed, autonomous community. METHOD: To argue that the current Australian Federal Government is failing to provide the impetus for building a compassionate society, particularly with respect to social justice for asylum seekers and Aboriginal people. RESULTS: There is a need for public health professionals to assist in promoting an informed debate about what it means to be a minimally decent Australian. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Education of the citizenry and by the academy in public debate and public debating is the lifeblood of democracy. This is the ethical goal of public health.
OBJECTIVE: To put the case that public health professionals have a responsibility to foster a more informed, autonomous community. METHOD: To argue that the current Australian Federal Government is failing to provide the impetus for building a compassionate society, particularly with respect to social justice for asylum seekers and Aboriginal people. RESULTS: There is a need for public health professionals to assist in promoting an informed debate about what it means to be a minimally decent Australian. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Education of the citizenry and by the academy in public debate and public debating is the lifeblood of democracy. This is the ethical goal of public health.