The collection of race and ethnicity data in health datasets is an important element of an equitable public health system. Health statistics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culturally and linguistically diverse populations in Australia can allow gaps in healthcare and outcomes to be identified. This may inform the development of targeted services to be delivered to the people and places where they are most needed.
Speakers share some historic and contemporary Australian examples of when such data have not been available, the impact this has had on health and equity, and how data deficiencies have and may be further overcome. They also talk to the necessity for strong data governance to guide data collection, recording, sharing and reporting in Australia.
This session was moderated by Dr Abbey Diaz, Menzies School of Health Researcher. The speakers include: Professor Ian Ring (James Cook University), Dr Mandy Truong (Monash University & Menzies School of Health Research), Dr Jocelyn Chan (Murdoch’s Childrens Research Institute), Dr Tamara Butler (Menzies School of Health Research), A/Prof Lisa Whop (Australia National University), and Dr Kalinda Griffiths (University of New South Wales).
