HIV/AIDS, advocacy and anti-discrimination legislation--the Australian response

This paper will address the role of mass communication strategies in the reduction of HIV/AIDS discrimination in Australia. It will focus on the interdependence of mass communication and legislation in health promotion campaigns with particular reference to the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. This will be discussed in the context of other HIV/AIDS strategies in Australia. The public health impact of discrimination is explored in relation to HIV/AIDS and the role of anti-discrimination 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 thus decrease discrimination. They can also provide specific remedies for people adversely affected by discriminatory attitudes and practices. Mass communication can maximize the impact of legislation by promoting awareness of new laws and, more importantly, lead changes in the attitudes of the polity and the wider public.