Letters

EFFECTIVE RESPONSE

Over the past week, allegations have been raised that ACON is failing NSW in HIV prevention. In arguing that ACON be defunded, the complainants have alleged that NSW has had high rates of HIV infection for a decade.

The National Centre in HIV Epidemiology in Clinical Research at the University of New South Wales compiles national surveillance data on HIV diagnoses in Australia. It is also internationally renowned for its work in HIV epidemiology.

With this track record, we are in a position to correct the inflammatory errors in recently published comments from those complaining about ACON about HIV trends in NSW.

Over the ten-year period from 2000 to 2009, the number of HIV diagnoses in NSW remained constant (373 in 2000 to 376 in 2009). Over the same period, large increases in the number of diagnoses were seen in most other Australian states including Victoria (189 to 290, an increase of 53 percent) and Queensland (115 to 209, an increase of 82 percent).

In contrast to NSW, substantial increases in HIV diagnoses in gay men have also been documented in most developed countries including Canada, the USA, and several European countries. NSW stands out as one of very few places where long-term data indicates that HIV is not increasing in gay men.

Over the past five years, the stand-out success of NSW in HIV prevention has been highlighted in multiple media articles, and has been the subject of many peer-reviewed articles in the academic literature. In 2008, a collection of 18 peer-reviewed articles in the journal Sexual Health analysed the divergent trends in HIV diagnoses in Australia. This collection of articles highlighted the fact that continuing high-level NSW government investment in HIV prevention had prevented a resurgence in the HIV epidemic in NSW at a time when increases had occurred almost everywhere else in Australia.

HIV risk behaviour had increased markedly elsewhere in Australia, but not in NSW. The role of an effective community-based response, and of partnership with government, was highlighted.

Allegations that NSW is doing poorly in HIV prevention are demonstrably false. Demands that ACON — NSW’s largest community based HIV prevention organisation — be shut down are irresponsible. Such an action would be inconceivably detrimental to NSW’s HIV prevention response and would jeopardise the future control of the HIV epidemic in this state. This small group of serial critics of the NSW HIV effort have made no credible argument to support their claims.

— Professor Andrew Grulich, Head, HIV Epidemiology and Prevention Program
Associate Professor David Wilson, Head, Surveillance and Epidemiology for Public Health Program
Professor David Cooper, Director, National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research, UNSW

HEAR HEAR

Hear, hear to ‘I am, you are, we are Australia’ in last week’s edition. Your ‘Grumpy Old Poof’ brought tears to my eyes as his sentiments rang home with me as this is who we are.

A friend commented on Facebook when the Queensland floods were at their peak and Australians rallied together to assist in any way possible, something like this: “The remarkable spirit being shown in QLD has highlighted to me that it is living in Australia that makes these people amazing and not necessarily being Australian. I’m proud to live in a country that engenders such remarkable resilience and strength, regardless of your race or creed”.

My friend is English and has lived here for three years and his comments made me cry. I have lived in this phenomenal country for 37 years now and consider myself a true-blue Aussie — even if I was born in Uruguay.

As we saw on TV some of those affected by the floods had accents from around the world, however, the Australian spirit was easily identifiable amongst all of them.

I am very proud to be Australian and my heart goes out to all those affected.

— Michael

ONE-SIDED VIEW

In reference to Sarah’s letter (‘Poor Reflection’, SSO 1056), I have firsthand knowledge of the events of that day.

While I agree with parts of Sarah’s letter, her one-sided view seems to pass more judgment on the person concerned, than speaking to the themes of the event.

The drag queen in question has a close relationship with both the club and the promoters of Phoenix. Security at no stage called police, police were in the vicinity.

Sarah’s assumption that this person thinks her behaviour was acceptable, is completely of the mark. The person in question has made huge changes in their life in the wake of this event.

Sarah’s quote “I know this not to be the case” in reference to it not being an isolated incident is a far-reaching remark on her behalf. I do not condone this person’s actions that day, in any way shape or form.

The drag in question has used her ‘public figure’ and donated countless hours to charity to enrich our community.

Her behaviour reflects solely on her and has nothing to do with who she is employed by. She has taken responsiblity for her action, something many seem to deflect these days.

— Josh