The Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (AFAO) has elected a Western Australian, Graham Brown as their new president for 2008/09. Brown, who is a Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Health Promotion Research at Curtin University and the former Western Australian AIDS Council Education Officer, will take the position from outgoing president Ian Rankin.
Community counterparts have said that Graham’s long-term passion for community-led HIV responses has put him in good stead to lead the organisation, where his role will be to lead AFAO’s board of directors and act as the organisation’s media spokesperson. Brown told OUTinPerth that he is honoured by the appointment.
‘Reducing the transmission and impact of HIV is a passion for me -professionally, academically and personally – and I feel honoured that the community sector has placed such confidence in what I can bring to the role. It will certainly be a challenge – but AFAO, with its community partners, is well positioned to play a major role in the direction of Australia’s HIV response.’
In his new role, Brown will have considerable ability to affect the strategic direction of the organisation, and he has said that securing ongoing community and government investment in HIV prevention and treatment is a key priority for AFAO, which he intimates could be more achievable under the new Federal Government.
‘The past year has seen a lot of analysis of Australia’s response to HIV amongst gay and bisexual men, and it is evident there has been a disinvestment over a number of years from the Commonwealth and in all states except NSW. During this time we have seen alarming increases in HIV diagnosis across the country, with NSW being one of the few having some success in turning around these increases.’ Mr Brown said.
‘But it is not just about investment – it is also about leadership and commitment to true national partnerships. We will be calling on the new Commonwealth Government to revitalise the advisory and leadership structure of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy for all the communities affected by HIV.’
Mr Brown continued to say, ‘There are two main opportunities at the moment – a new Government and moving towards a new National HIV/AIDS Strategy. In light of these opportunities – I am feeling confident that putting energy into advocacy for effective health promotion, community action and public health policy will result in some very exciting outcomes and some real changes in the epidemic.’
