Dick to let feds know of concerns over tragedies

THE state’s health minister has requested a joint review with the Federal Government into the health services available at Kowanyama.

After being contacted by the Cairns Post about the concerns raised by whistleblowers and Kowanyama Mayor Michael Yam, Health Minister Cameron Dick late yesterday said he would write to the federal health minister about the situation.

“The social and emotional wellbeing of indigenous communities is a shared responsibility of all levels of government,” Mr Dick said. “The Queensland Government takes the health needs and the social and emotional wellbeing of our indigenous communities seriously.

“That’s why I will be writing to the federal health minister requesting that we jointly review the health services available in Kowanyama.

“The recent passing of a young man in Kowanyama is a tragedy and I offer my condo- lences to the man’s family and friends.

“I am advised that the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) is providing ongoing support to the family concerned.”