HIV AIDS, ADVOCACY AND ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LEGISLATION - THE AUSTRALIAN RESPONSE

This paper will address the role of mass communication strategies in t he reduction of HIV/AIDS discrimination in Australia. It will focus on the interdependence of mass communication and legislation in health p romotion campaigns with particular reference to the Disability Discrim ination Act 1992. This will be discussed in the context of other HIV/A IDS strategies in Australia. The public health impact of discriminatio n is explored in relation to HIV/AIDS and the role of anti-discriminat ion legislation is discussed. Public health legislation can serve as a symbolic reflection of public opinion or actively change it. Laws can transform the practices of both public and private institutions and t hus decrease discrimination. They can also provide specific remedies f or people adversely affected by discriminatory attitudes and practices . Mass communication can maximize the impact of legislation by promoti ng awareness of new laws and, more importantly, lead changes in the at titudes of the polity and the wider public.