Advocacy portal
AFAO's ongoing policy activities are a mix of responsive work driven by the federal government's policy agenda, and proactive policy work driven by emerging issues identified by AFAO and our member organisations - all in the context of the Sixth National HIV Strategy.
The links below and at left will take you to more information about key areas of focus for AFAO'S current policy and advocacy work.
Health reform
AFAO has been analysing the potential impact of key elements of the federal government's health reform agenda, including the effect of restructuring the health system on delivery of HIV prevention, care and support programs. We also provide critical analysis of proposed e-health initiatives. Read more ...
Ageing
Ageing is an issue of central significance for our members, given the premature ageing of people living with HIV (due to the effects of the virus itself and associated co-morbidities), and also given the ageing of the cohort of people living with HIV in Australia. There have been several Commonwealth inquiries around ageing. The complexities of scientific and clinical developments regarding ageing and HIV are challenging and AFAO membership and consultations have informed AFAO's policy advocacy on how to better meet the needs of people with HIV in health care, community care and residential care services. Read more ...Criminalisation of HIV transmission
AFAO continues to monitor the growing swathe of Australian and international cases where HIV positive people have been charged with offences in relation to the sexual transmission of HIV - with those convicted often facing harsh custodial sentences. Our recently released discussion paper explores the intersection between the criminal law, public health law and civil cases regarding the sexual transmission of HIV, and provides options for policy advocacy. Read more ....
Review of blood donation deferral policies
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service deferral policies affecting men who have sex with men are currently under review.
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