Indigenous Health, Wellbeing, Social and Economic Inclusion
19.1.2010
Call for papers for a special issue of the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, due for publication in February 2011.
Special Issue: Indigenous Health, Wellbeing, Social and Economic Inclusion – Closing the Gaps
The Apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia given by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on 13th February, 2008, included the promise of a new beginning with these words:
We today take this first step by acknowledging the past and laying claim to a future that embraces all Australians.
A future where this Parliament resolves that the injustices of the past must never, never happen again.
A future where we harness the determination of all Australians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, to close the gap that lies between us in life expectancy, educational achievement and economic opportunity.
A future where we embrace the possibility of new solutions to enduring problems where old approaches have failed.
A future based on mutual respect, mutual resolve and mutual responsibility.
A future where all Australians, whatever their origins, are truly equal partners, with equal opportunities and with an equal stake in shaping the next chapter in the history of this great country, Australia.
(Retrieved 9/9/09 at http://www.aph.gov.au/house/rudd_speech.pdf)
This landmark in Australia’s history demands that all Australians resolve to be part of the future in closing the gap that separates indigenous and non-indigenous health and social status. For many occupational therapists who have actively worked to promote the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians, the challenge presented by the Closing the Gap policy is welcomed; for others it is a timely reminder of the social ethic underpinning health care in Australia; and for the health professionals of the future it will become an integral part of their education and understanding of their professional duty.
The Australian Occupational Therapy Journal is acknowledging the role that the occupational therapy profession can play in closing the gaps that separate indigenous and non-indigenous health, wellbeing, prosperity and occupational opportunity by publishing a special edition on occupational therapy and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations and communities. The main focus of the special issue is to publish a collection of original research and feature articles that collectively highlight the contributions that occupational therapy profession can make towards Closing the Gap. It is acknowledged that occupational therapists are working with other indigenous populations and communities internationally to close gaps in health, wellbeing and occupational opportunity, so that original research and feature articles about this work will also be considered.
Submission of manuscripts will undergo the normal peer review process and will be chosen for quality and originality. Closing date for submissions is: 1st June 2010.
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