A major hospital is defending the introduction of an Aboriginal lounge and a “menu for the masses” after it was accused of “segregating people on the basis of race”.
The Canberra hospital is currently building a lounge for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as part of a major expansion due for completion next year.
The lounge, which will also include a discussion group, is intended to make it “culturally safer” for Indigenous patients and their families, a hospital spokesperson said.
Patients who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander can also choose from the ‘Menu for Mob’, which includes options such as kangaroo stew.
A spokesperson for Canberra Health Services told Daily Mail Australia the “menu had been developed for the masses”.to enhance the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers during their stay and help them feel supported whilst away from their communities.
The hospital will have an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lounge next year (photo)
Kangaroo stew, curry sausages and hearty mince are on the ‘menu for the masses’
“We worked closely with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consumer Reference Group to design this welcoming and culturally safe space,” the spokesperson said.
‘The Lounge recognises the importance of connection to country, fostering a sense of belonging and providing access to health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in a culturally supportive environment.’
The hospital extension was developed in partnership with representatives of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
It includes design features ‘which further support the connection to the land, such as views of the surrounding mountain range and Aboriginal art.
But Sky News presenter Andrew Bolt accused the hospital of offering an “apartheid menu”.
Canberra Hospital (pictured) has defended a decision to introduce an Aboriginal-only lounge and a ‘menu for the masses’ after the hospital was accused of ‘segregating people on the basis of race’
A new building at Canberra Hospital (pictured) will house a range of new facilities
“Why are we segregating people by race like this? In a public hospital for all Australians of all races, paid for by Australians of all races,” he fumed.
‘How do the ACT Labor government and the Albanian Labor government justify funding this apartheid, this form of state racism, to divide us based on race, to care for us based on race, and even to feed us based on race?’
Mr Bolt added: ‘If you are concerned about racism, be concerned about this issue.’