Queensland Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Racial Discrimination in Healthcare for Indigenous Patients

May 21, 2025
Queensland Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Racial Discrimination in Healthcare for Indigenous Patients
  • She emphasized that the state must be held accountable for systemic practices that have resulted in lower healthcare standards for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.

  • The lawsuit claims that Queensland Health's actions violated the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, asserting that institutional racism has persisted in healthcare provision for decades.

  • The lawsuit alleges that First Nations people were denied adequate treatment, had their concerns dismissed, and received substandard medical care.

  • The claim includes instances where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals seeking medical care were repeatedly dismissed, contributing to tragic outcomes.

  • Susan Wynne, CEO of Litigation Lending Services, emphasized the importance of seeking justice for those failed by Queensland Health and the right for all Australians to access healthcare without discrimination.

  • Jancauskas described the anguish of parents whose concerns were disregarded, forcing them to seek transfers to other hospitals, often too late to save their children.

  • Rebecca Jancauskas, director of JGA Saddler, highlighted distressing accounts of First Nations patients being ignored, misdiagnosed, or dismissed, which have led to tragic outcomes, including the deaths of children.

  • A class action lawsuit has been filed against the Queensland government, alleging inadequate medical treatment and racial discrimination against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.

  • Queensland Health has not commented on the ongoing legal proceedings, as the case is currently before the court, and Health Minister Tim Nicholls has been contacted for further remarks.

  • This lawsuit, initiated by JGA Saddler on May 20, 2025, represents individuals who have faced discriminatory practices at the North West Hospital and Health Service and the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service from 1996 to 2024.

Summary based on 2 sources


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Sources

State sued over 28 years of racism claim

news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site • May 20, 2025

State sued over 28 years of racism claim

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