Doomadgee coronial inquest: Henrietta Marrie calls for investigation into ‘institutional racism’ in Cairns, Qld hospitals

A leading indigenous rights activist has called for an investigation into “institutional racism” within the Queensland Health system, including the Cairns Hospital, following an inquiry into the deaths of three aboriginal women in Doomadgee.

A LEADING Australian indigenous rights activist has called for an investigation into “institutional racism” within the Queensland Health system, including the Cairns Hospital, following an inquiry into the deaths of three aboriginal women in Doomadgee.

University of Queensland Professor and proud Yidinji elder Henrietta Marrie said she supported the coronial inquest into the tragic deaths of Betty Booth, 38, Shakaya George, 17, and Adele Sandy, 37 from the Gulf of Carpentaria community – all from suspected Rheumatic Heart Disease or its complications, according to a Coroners Court of Queensland spokesman.

The women were the focus of an investigation that alleged negligent medical procedures led to their deaths in the remote Indigenous town.

Respected Yidinji elder and University of Queensland Professor Henrietta Marrie. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

Ms Marrie said a further inquiry should be conducted into what she claims were instances of statewide negligence towards aboriginal people “that have happened right throughout Queensland hospitals.”

“I certainly support the need for further investigation into this matter (but) I don’t think Doomadgee is alone in the kind of negligence that took place there,” she said.

“I think there is other hospitals, Cairns being one of them.

“I believe there needs to be further investigations into this and don’t just stop at Doomadgee, but also investigate other similar incidents that have happened right throughout Queensland hospitals.

“There are definitely issues with institutional racism within the health sector and that needs to be looked at.”

A Coroners Court of Queensland spokesman said the Doomadgee women all died from Rheumatic Heart Disease or the consequences and complications of RHD or Acute Rheumatic fever and its treatment.

Ms Marrie said Queensland Health hospitals, such as the Cairns hospital, have “institutional racism” towards some patients.

The inquest will be held in Cairns on July 18 and presided over by Northern Coroner for Queensland, Magistrate Nerida Wilson.

Ms Marrie, a world renowned Indigenous and human rights activist, said she believed inadequate care was common towards aboriginal men and woman across Queensland and Australian health services, and better education was needed.

She supported working alongside the state to “address these issues”, and called on the federal government to “acknowledge there is institutional racism within these institutions”.

“We have seen it so many times and we have lost too many young people,” she said.

“I’ve been told of people with chest pain going in (to hospitals) and being told to just go home and rest.

“Doomadgee is isolated, but that doesn’t mean they should be neglecting the people of Doomadgee.

“I certainly support further investigation.”

In a statement, a Queensland Health spokesman said they were “committed to achieving better health outcomes for First Nations people.”

The appointment of Haylene Grogan as the state’s first Chief Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Officer was one example of how they were increasing the cultural capabilities of the public health system, according to the spokesman.

The Cairns Post has contacted Health Minister Yvette D’Ath and the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service for comment.

Originally published as Doomadgee coronial inquest: Henrietta Marrie calls for investigation into ‘institutional racism’ in Cairns, Qld hospitals