Please click here to view the full AEA's Statement on the Proposed Treaty Principles Bill, dated 12 November 2024.
The Australasian Epidemiological Association stands with the New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine, the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), and Health Coalition Aotearoa in opposing the government’s proposed Treaty Principles Bill. Equitable access to the determinants of good health is a fundamental human right, however such access is not evenly experienced within the New Zealand population. The systemic inequities in health outcomes experienced by Māori are not only avoidable, but also unfair and unjust. In unison with the Waitangi Day Statement of the Public Health Association of New Zealand, we urge the government to honour its own definition of Health Equity. This acknowledges that different approaches are required for different populations to achieve health equity, including approaches that require an unequal distribution of resources and power (i.e., to address the broader determinants of health).
We strongly oppose and seek reconsideration of the argument that Māori specific health initiatives are designed to privilege Māori over others. Rather, we recognise that Māori rights to the determinants of health have been breached, resulting in higher needs, and Māori-specific pro-equity measures are required to rectify this. The bill is not justified by robust policy analysis and will embolden racism - a key determinant of health, and a major cause of inequitable health outcomes for Māori. Te Tiriti o Waitangi provides a solid structure for how inequities in health outcomes can be undone – both at a broad societal level, and with respect to how our health system is organised and operated. We urge the government to abandon the Treaty Principles Bill by not voting to refer it to Select Committee. We are united in fostering a future where health inequities are justly addressed, and all can flourish.
Signed by,
Dr Linda Murray
AEA President (New Zealand)
Dr Abbey Diaz
AEA President
On behalf of the Council of the Australasian Epidemiological Association
