Public health, political morality and compassion.
OBJECTIVE
To put the case that public health professionals have a responsibility to foster a more informed, autonomous community.


METHODS
To argue that the current Australian Federal Government is failing to provide the impetus for building a compassionate society, particularly with respect to social justice for asylum seekers and Aboriginal people.


RESULTS
There is a need for public health professionals to assist in promoting an informed debate about what it means to be a minimally decent Australian.


CONCLUSIONS
Education of the citizenry and by the academy in public debate and public debating is the lifeblood of democracy. This is the ethical goal of public health.
Social and Public Health Economics Research Group, Centre for International Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia. g.mooney@curtin.edu.au
Gavin
G
Mooney
D001315:Australia; D003709:Democracy; D004645:Empathy; D006076:Government; D006801:Humans; D009014:Morals; D011057:Politics; D011635:Public Health Administration / Q000592:standards*; D012935:Social Justice; D012945:Social Values