Kate Chaney (Curtin, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

Today I'm delighted to present a speech from Jasmin, a 22-year-old resident of the Curtin electorate, as part of the Raise our Voice program. Jasmin says:

It wasn't until I joined the WA Justice Association that I learnt that Medicare is not universal. That once someone is incarcerated in Australia, they are denied access to equal healthcare.

Australia is facing a fatal prison healthcare and mental healthcare crisis. Since January alone there have been 61 deaths in custody.

This crisis is rooted in the inadequacy of our current prison healthcare systems and not only undermines the human rights of prisoners but is also unlawful. In the next 10 years I want to see a more just, equal Australia, one where prisoners aren't dying from poor healthcare.

The standard of healthcare in prisons is dangerously sub-par to that provided to the general public.

Allowing access to Medicare in prisons would equalise this standard of care and ensure Australia fulfils its domestic and international obligations to provide equal healthcare.

Making Medicare truly universal would improve health and mental health outcomes for prisoners, reduce recidivism, aid in facilitating reintegration, and improve community health.

We are facing a crisis that's killing Australians. But we already have a functioning solution. I urge Parliament to heed the advice of the Australian Medical Association and allow prisoners access to Medicare for a more equal Australia.

I thank Jasmin for her contribution to parliament.

See this speech in context