Tensions between purported aims of healthcare policy in Australia and the delivery of health care services
Connie Donato-Hunt and Ian Flaherty
Drug and Alcohol Multicultural Education Centre
Contact Email:   researchdamec.org.au

The approach of many drug and alcohol (D&A) treatment services in Australia relies heavily upon Anglo-centric models of healthcare. However, there are policies for healthcare delivery in New South Wales (NSW) which clearly outline the inclusive principles by which services must conduct their business. These policies underpin claims that the Australian system guarantees universality of healthcare. The lived experience of many people from CALD backgrounds is, however, starkly at odds with such claims making. In this paper we explore how there is discrepancy between NSW policies outlining equity of access to services, and actual D&A service delivery. We look at two studies of worker practices and attitudes regarding CALD clients. These were both conducted by the Drug and Alcohol Multicultural Centre (DAMEC), one in 1997 and a pilot in 2007. Key issues emerging were the underutilisation of interpreter services and attitudes towards including non-English speaking people among service's client populations. Comparisons highlight that there was little change from 1997 to 2007. The possible underlying reasons are discussed and recommendations are made for policy and practice that will better meet the needs of people from CALD backgrounds when they seek help for substance use issues.

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