President Dr Maria Tomasic said Australia must move forward from Kevin Rudd’s apology in 2008.

Indigenous groups rally for rights. Source: Emily Carter (used with permission).

“The apology two years ago was a very important thing and it had great significance to Indigenous people in Australia but unless it’s followed up with some real changes I think that it could end up being seen as a hollow gesture,” Dr Tomasic said.

Dr Tomasic has worked in remote communities.

She said the amendment to the constitution is part of a much needed multi-faceted approach.

“In terms of the constitution I think that recognising all Australians as equals will ensure Indigenous people don’t feel a sense of alienation and marginalisation,” Dr Tomasic said.

Aboriginal activist Sam Watson doesn’t see how changes to a federal form will help.

He said it’s ”unadulterated, boulder-dash and garbage.”

“Aboriginal people need very real relief in terms of health, housing, education and employment; we need a treaty to be signed that will acknowledge Aboriginal people as human beings and our very sacred connection to country,” Mr Watson said.

Despite the changes made to the Queensland Constitution which now includes Indigenous people, Mr Watson sees no improvements.

“Over the past 12-14 months since the constitution was changed there’s been an actual increase in the arrest rates, an increase in the incarceration rates for Aboriginal people and an increase in the death in custody rates,” Mr Watson said.

Psychologists like author Dr Pat Dudgeon agree with the college in challenging the constitution.

Dr Dudgeon believes the move would restore self-worth within the community.

“Having Aboriginal people included politically would acknowledge them as human beings, that they are part of this society and I think it would increase the collective of self esteem and the psychological participation within society,” Dr Dudgeon said.

Breast Cancer Pink Ribbon (iStockphoto)

The study comprised of women from Melbourne, Sydney, the San Francisco Bay Area and Toronto.

The research found women who had developed breast cancer early in their lives had an eight-fold increase in the chance of getting lung cancer in the future.

The relatives were found to have twice as many cancers as expected and there were increased risks of prostate, lung, brain, urinary tract and ovarian cancer.

Professor Rodney Scott from the University of Newcastle says their study is an incredible discovery and a healthy addition to cancer research.

“This is quite an important finding as it really puts the picture together and implies that there are common genetic determinants of breast cancer risks especially in young women,” he said.

The results also showed their fathers and brothers were five times more at risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer and the mothers and sisters doubled their risk of ovarian cancer and quadrupled their risk of breast cancer.

There was also a higher risk of urinary tract and brain cancer among the subjects.

Professor John Hopper from the University of Melbourne says they looked at the relatives of the 500 women studied and asked about cancers in relatives, and compared that information with what they’d expect based on the population data.

“We started collecting families in Australia and in the United States back in 1993 and been doing a lot of genetic testing on them,” he said.

“We are also validating the family histories of their relatives”.

Mr Hopper says they expected an increased influence of breast cancer in the relatives.

“We tested for what are known as the breast cancer genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2 and took them out of the equation,” he said.

Professor Scott said these findings will change the focus of research in the future.

“What it’s going to do is allow people to start focusing on families where there are cases of breast cancer and lung cancer.  It’s a huge step forward in cancer research.”

“Spanish food is very popular in Brisbane and as we have a similar climate and similar personalities it works because we always need a change,” Ms Power said.

“I’m a total fan of Spain, they do everything well, eating to them is a total social component and something to share,” she said.

Spanish musicians play for locals in Brisbane. Source: Olivia Noakes.

As summer approaches and everyone dreams of squeezing into their itsy bitsy teeny weenie bikini, the Mediterranean diet appears to be in sync with both the Queensland climate and its health conscious, trendy population. 

The ingredients used in Spanish cooking are known to be fresh, natural and nourishing, with liberal use of herbs, oils and spices delivering scintillating flavours. 

Queenslanders are jumping on the Mediterranean bandwagon with nine Spanish restaurants currently operating within a 5 kilometre radius of Brisbane’s CBD. 

Additionally, people are trying new and exciting delicacies at places from fine dining eateries to backstreet cafes or even sharing tapas and sangria round the deck at home watching the Queensland sunset.

Bistro C on Noosa’s world famous Hasting Street has hosted a Latin night every Wednesday for the last two years and the atmosphere, including Latin dancers, Spanish inspired cocktails, cuisine and cool canasta beats spun by Spanish DJ Seanesco Rodriquiz, make the patrons and staff feel like they’re in the midst of magical, midnight Madrid. 

Bistro C waitress, Tania Martin, says she looks forward to Wednesday and the surprises the night may bring.

“I’ve been working here for a year now and Latin night is by far my favourite shift to work; it’s a crazy night with so much laughter and adventure,” Ms Martin said.

“The atmosphere is amazing and everyone from staff to families to groups of friends get involved in the food, dancing and sheer fun of it all,” she said.

Language and Latin dance schools are also seeing increased numbers of people seeking to learn Spanish and the sexy, seductive and sultry moves of the Tango and the Samba. 

Latin dance teacher Anthea Tert, who’s been dancing for 33 years, believes the Spanish way of life is taking over as the international flavour in terms of music, culture, food and dance.

“I teach private classes and there has been a huge growth in popularity in the last two years as there are more people wanting to learn just for fun,” Mrs Tert said.

“Spanish music is very rich, it makes you feel like dancing and it has a special way of reaching people internally,” she said.

Owner of Brisbane’s Pintxo Spanish Taperia Tapas Restaurant  Melissa Telecican attributes Spanish food’s popularity to an assortment of various taste sensations and its unique social atmosphere.

“People like having variety and trying lots of different things and as the food comes out gradually it makes it ideal for the individual with our tapas train, couples or larger social groups,” Mrs Telecian said.

“We have Spanish tourists drop by for an authentic meal, however, we mainly cater to Brisbane locals, particularly those who have travelled to Spain and are passionate about the food and culture.

“I opened the restaurant after a trip to Spain, realising there were Spanish quarters in both Sydney and Melbourne yet there was a market for Spanish food in Brisbane that had yet to be discovered,” Mrs Telecican said.

A patron dining at Pintxo, Jason Quinell, said he would definitely be back.

“It’s my first time trying Spanish food and I love it,” Mr Quinell said. 

Seeing as Spanish cuisine is sizzling hot right now, you may venture out this summer, sangria in one hand, flamenco fan in the other and adopt a fearless fixation for the ‘latest’ fashionable food!

Under Queensland’s Criminal Code, abortion is unlawful unless it is performed to “preserve the woman from serious harm to her life or physical or mental health”.

Abortion rates "never going to be zero". Photo courtesy: David Jackmanson

Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at James Cook University, Caroline de Costa said the laws occupied a grey area and were “out of date” and “out of step” with modern ideals.

“Abortion is an important health issue for women so there should be regulations within health law for the practice of abortion,” she said.

“It should not be criminalised. It should be just the same as mainstream medical practice.”

Health law expert Dr Ben White agrees.

“By moving abortion law away from the criminal model to a health model, a woman is able to obtain a termination as they are able to obtain other health services,” he said.

Dr White said current abortion laws in Queensland were contrary to other Australian jurisdictions which were increasingly moving away from criminal abortion.

“Queensland is one of the last remaining jurisdictions which still treates abortion as a criminal offence,” he said.

“The ACT regulates abortion as a health matter, like any other health issue.

“The model sets out a clear way in which abortion can be regulated outside the criminal sphere.”

Law reform opposition

But opponents of abortion law reform exist.

Brisbane obstetrician Dr Adrienne Freeman said placing abortion in health legislation would be a “double-edged sword”.

“I’m not in favour of changing anything because the change is the opportunity for a lot of restrictions to be imposed,” she said.

“You can’t do it here and you can’t do it there - this person can do it and that one can’t.

“It’s just a chance for more access block.”

Abortion alternatives

Dr Freeman said a solution could be found in education and contraceptive research.

“We have contraceptives, but we need more options -   especially for males,” she said.

“We also need more access to contraception.”

But Dr de Costa said the solutions would be temporary as abortion rates are “never going to be zero”.

Kathy Newnam, member of the Pro-Choice Action Collective agrees with Dr de Costa.

“Women have always needed abortion, women have always had abortion and they always will,” she said.

“Circumstances change and contraception does fail.”

Survey results

A survey released by non-profit sexual health organisation, Marie Stopes International found 75 per cent of GPs and women support the removal of abortion from Queensland’s Criminal Code.

Dr de Costa said she believed the authorities were aware of the views of the majority.

“I think that the police and the government know that this is what women want and need,” she said.

“But that doesn’t completely solve the problem because the law is still there, and there’s still uncertainty about it.

“It’s something that we need to work on and are working on.”

Abortion was repealed from the Crimes Act in the ACT in 2002.

In 2008, abortion was decriminalised in Victoria and guidelines were set for when abortion could take place.

Student medical interns work at Hervey Bay Hospital in southern Queensland. Photo courtesy of: Emily Rickman

The National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) says a shortage of medical internship placements means an improved “pipeline” is needed to make sure training is available for student doctors to work in rural Australia.

NRHA chair Dr Jenny May says while she is keen to see more doctors in rural areas, she is mindful of the need for appropriate supervision.

“One of the difficulties in providing such supervision is that doctors, nurses and other health professionals working in rural areas are in an environment where clinical needs are high,” she said.

“Devoting time and effort to teaching is actually quite difficult … [therefore] rural practice is not suitable for first year postgraduate medical students unless suitable supervision can be organised.”

Dr May says although the NRHA is happy to see an increase in general practitioner (GP) training, internships and graduate training are also needed in specialist work.

“[We need graduates] to do anaesthetics, for people to do surgery and provide intensive care, because that is the sort of skills we need for people who are living in rural Australia,” she said.

The Australian Medical Association of Queensland (AMAQ) also says the national shortage of medical internships has severe implications for the future workforce to meet the health care needs of a growing and ageing population.

AMAQ president Dr Gino Pecoraro said in a media statement there were not enough supervisors, infrastructure, and other resources to train the students and graduates.

“Unless we devote more resources to medical training after medical school, we will not solve our doctor shortage despite increasing medical places,” he said in the statement.

Rural health pledge

However, Dr May is optimistic about Federal Labor’s recent deal with the independents that pledges regional Australia gets a 30 per cent share of the number of infrastructure programs that are health related.

She says these programs involve hospitals having more rooms for beds, increasing the number of GP clinics and increased allocation of funds to Aboriginal community-controlled health care services.

“The period between increasing the number of medical students and expecting to see an increased number of doctors in the bush is probably a 15 year undertaking, so the lead time on these [government] initiatives is long,” Dr May said.

“I think it would take a good package and incentives to keep well trained people in the bush.”

She says three factors are involved in retaining doctors in rural areas.

“[Firstly], whether their workplace is effectively run, whether their workload is manageable,” she said.

“[Secondly], the spouses or partners’ needs [and] access to schooling and employment.

“[Thirdly], attraction to physical geography of the place and cultural barriers … some people might not be used to small communities.”

Infrastructure concerns

Albert Jung, a final year medical student at the University of Queensland (UQ), says he would consider a rural placement if it meant him being in a job or not.

He is an international student from Canada and says he has invested a significant amount of money in his four years of medical education at UQ.

“If given the choice of a metropolitan or rural placement, I would have to honestly say metro, as I am married and have family commitments to consider,” he said.

“Unfortunately even if you want to go rural, for example Mount Isa or Alice Springs, they do not have the infrastructure in place for postgraduates year one [first year of internship right after leaving medical school].

“[But] the biggest challenge at this time is not whether to go rural or not, but not having spots for internships.”

Rural experience ‘fantastic’

Mr Jung says third year medical students in UQ are required to do a rotation in a rural setting and he did his rotation in Ayr, a town an hour south of Townsville in north Queensland.

“The experience itself was fantastic – I was fortunate enough that the hospital was large enough that they did a number of their own surgeries,” he said.

“The problem is if you go too rural, they do not have the infrastructure so surgeries have to be done at another hospital.”

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) held a medical intern summit in Canberra on September 29, 2010 where discussions included developing solutions to the shortage to pass on to government.

Related Links: 

•  AMA Medical Training Summit Joint Statement – 29 September 2010.
• National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA)
• Australian Medical Association of Qld (AMAQ) Campaigns

The Dayboro Medical Centre has over 8,000 patients on its books and is the only doctor’s surgery in the town.

The practice usually has two doctors, but has been cut to just one after Dr Kate Mudie retired earlier this month.

Dr Mudie’s position has been advertised since October last year, along with a vacancy for another doctor to come on board at the practice.

Practice manager Lyn Sawdon said the surgery has gone to all measures to get another doctor, but has not been successful.

“We’re at the point where we are writing to all our patients and letting them know that if they are not in the direct postcode of Dayboro, they will need to go elsewhere,” she said.

“It’s not an ideal result, but our patient database has grown from 4,000 to 8,000 in a year.

“We have been advertising for doctors for nearly a year and we haven’t had anything.”

Local resident Phillip Weir said the waiting times for the surgery can be anywhere from two to four days for an appointment.

“I called up to get in for an appointment and was told the next one wouldn’t be for three days, if it wasn’t an emergency,” he said.

“Seems ridiculous considering how much growth the area is experiencing.”

The position for a doctor has also been listed with the Australian Medical Association in Queensland, but has failed to attract much attention.

AMA Queensland president Dr Gino Pecoraro said although it is an unfortunate situation, their situation is not dire yet.

“The worst case scenario would be that there was no doctor service at Dayboro,” he said.

“It is unfortunate that it is harder to get doctors to go to these areas, but the government needs to step in and provide better resources for doctors.”

Federal member for Dickson and shadow health minister Peter Dutton said that Federal Labor’s installation of GP Super Clinics was to blame.

“Dayboro is listed as an area of workforce shortage which needs assistance in the recruitment of doctors,” he said.

“But Labor’s GP Super Clinics in non-rural locations have also been designated as locations of workforce shortage, enabling them to compete with places like Dayboro in recruitment of doctors.

“It completely undermines attempts to attract doctors to areas like Dayboro.”

Mrs Sawdon said until they were able to fill the position, the practice was compromising the health care of their patients.

“We are just not able to fit all our patients in with just one doctor, and I feel like we are getting nowhere with the situation,” she said.

Rural Australians will be able to claim Medicare rebates for online consultations if the Gillard government is re-elected. Image: Perry Woodward

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has announced new Medicare rebates for online health services.

Speaking at the ALP’s official Brisbane campaign launch, Ms Gillard said that if re-elected her government will provide $392.3 million to support upgraded tele-health services for Australians living in rural and remote areas.

The initiative, which has the support of the Australian Medical Association, will be implemented by July 1, 2011 and will allow patients in rural areas to receive Medicare rebates for online consultations with specialist doctors from their local GP’s office.

AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, supports the move, saying the scheme would assist doctors to provided services to patients in remote or rural areas.

“It will allow doctors to overcome the tyranny of distance when providing care and advice for patients in rural and remote Australia.  Some patients will no longer have to travel long hours and incur significant costs to access medical care,” said Dr Pesce.

The Rural Doctor’s Association of Australia welcomed the news.

Former RDAA President, Dr Peter Rischbieth, says improved tele-health technology is an issue the RDAA has been lobbying for.

“It is great to see the Gillard Government announcing measures that will support the further rollout of tele-health technology for rural and remote Australians, and particularly its decision to widen the Medicare rebates for tele-health consults to ensure the time and skills of doctors at both ends of the consult are recognised,” said Dr Rischbieth.

Despite the announcement receiving support from Medical groups, the PM has been criticised for failing to address economic considerations and climate change in Monday’s address.

Opposition leader Tony Abbot told the ABC Ms Gillard had failed to outline anything new to address Australia’s economic situation.

“We saw nothing whatsoever from the Prime Minister in terms of an economic plan, in terms of a coherent attempt to overcome the debt and deficit problem now bedevilling our country.” he said.

Andreis Lathorous pictured with Nu Skin anti-aging products: Maria Ermides

Anti-aging treatments are becoming popular amongst Brisbane men, proving that women are not alone in the race to stay young.

According to figures released by Cosmetic Physicians Society of Australasia, Botox procedures for men have increased by 10-20 per cent over the past year.

Specialising in Botox, Ashburys wrinkle treatment centre in Windsor has gained a large clientele of men, which manager Tara Sthomburk says is due to pressure from the opposite sex.

“Usually the men are brought in by their wives, so it’s not just a matter of pleasing themselves but also it’s about keeping up appearances for others,” she says.

“Our male clientele differs from 40 to 50-year-old men to even younger guys coming in … What it all comes down to is vanity.”

An alternative to Botox is Nu Skin, which is also becoming a popular anti-aging treatment amongst men.

Using advanced ingredient technologies, the product boasts it provides the same effects of Botox but without the pain.

Nu Skin representative Andreis Lathorous says that men today are just as conscious about their appearance as women.

“Everyone is conscious about aging, irrespective of gender and that’s why products like this are popular with men…they probably just won’t outwardly admit it,” he says.

“It’s slowly becoming more acceptable for men to care about the way they look and I think that is a positive thing.”

Males currently have to pay at least $360 for the HPV vaccine: Imogen Brennan

Former Australian of the Year Professor Ian Frazer is calling on the Federal Government to extend the free Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) immunisations to boys.

Professor Frazer developed the HPV vaccine in 2006.

Most people know it as the cervical cancer vaccine, but it actually guards against the Papilloma Virus infection which develops into cancers and disease.

“Cervical cancer is the one everybody knows about but cancers in the mouth and throat, cancers in the skin and other cancers even in the genital region are also caused by Papilloma Virus infection,” Professor Frazer said.

Subsidised Gardasil vaccinations are currently only given to school-aged girls but Professor Frazer said it would protect men from cancers and 90 per cent of genital warts.

“It makes good sense to immunise men as well as women against the virus,” he said.

“The reason is firstly because the virus causes cancer in men as it does in women; not as commonly as in women, but about a tenth of all the cancers worldwide that are caused by Papilloma Virus infection are caused in men,” Professor Frazer said.

Professor Frazer told the Australian Sexual Health Conference at Brisbane’s South Bank this week that worldwide immunisation could reduce the burden of cancer by around a quarter of a million each year.

“The challenge, of course, is that these vaccines are expensive. It really has to be shown if they’re cost effective, not just effective,” he said.

A spokesperson for federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon said the Government is not currently considering expanding the free vaccination to include boys.

David Cooper with his fresh, local product: Jess Muller

Five years ago, Princess Charlotte Seafoods was run by David Cooper from the garage of his house. Nowadays, the company has grown exponentially.

“I started out with a home-based business with a cold room under my house and served approximately 100 customers per week,” said Mr Cooper, who in 2004 retired from operating and owning fishing trawlers along the Queensland coast.

Fast forward five years and factory-based Princess Charlotte Seafood serves over 800 customers a week, has five trucks and several employees.

The company sells direct to the public from their factory on the northside of Brisbane and at farmers markets held every weekend around Brisbane.

Despite the recent financial crunch, Mr Cooper and his business have not been affected.

“When we first started out, we sold both imported and local seafood. Now due to the continual increasing demand for Australian seafood, we stock Australian caught and produced seafood,” Mr Cooper said.

“The demand has just gone through the roof, especially at peak times like Christmas and Easter…every year it gets bigger and bigger.”

Bucking the trend

In recent months, various Australian industries and business have suffered due to the recession, however the seafood industry has experienced growth.

The Australian Seafood Industry says the production of seafood has increased 10 fold over the past decade.

Moreover, the gross value of production within the Australian industry has continually increased 10 per cent per annum since 1990 and the industry turns over approximately $3 billion a year.

Although the industry started in the early 1900s, it has diversified over the past 30 years due to new technologies and knowledge of locations and species.

Seafood expert Jon Maurice says the commercial fishing industry is one of the most valuable Australian rural industries.

“In Australia approximately 600 seafood species are caught and sold…and we are known world wide for our amazing fresh products caught right around the country,” Mr Maurice said.

“Despite the current unstable economic climate, the seafood industry continues to prosper.

“Research has shown that Australians need to eat at least two serves of seafood a week because it is so great for you,” he added.

It’s true. Many medical researchers have listed seafood as a must eat in order to maintain a healthy and well-balanced life.

Seafood lover Brooke Wilkins says she purchases seafood from local markets every week for the entire family.

“I purchase all my seafood fresh at the local markets…and I’m willing to pay the increased price for Australian caught and produced seafood because I know it will be great and it’s local,” she said.

“It’s also a great food to give the kids, and there is so many different types of fish that you can disguise as something else to make them eat it!”