Mobilizing the `Chattering Classes' for Advocacy in Australia

Abstract

Vanessa Johnston and Pascale Allotey describe how medical professionals and allied organizations have come together to advocate for the health rights of asylum-seekers and refugees in Australia. They look at the recent advocacy efforts of two different groups of health providers. The Melbourne Refugee and Asylum Seeker Health Network (RASHN) is an example of community ‘grassroots’-level advocacy, whereas the Professional Alliance for the Health of Asylum Seekers and the Children (‘the Alliance’) exemplifies a policy-level approach.