Healthcare Funding and Christian Ethics by Stephen Duckett | Book Publication

Health policy in Australia is often the subject of contentious debates and disputes. Stephen Duckett, a member of the Religion and Social Policy Network of the University of Divinity, has waded into these debates many times over his career as a health policy practitioner and academic, but most recently in his new book, Healthcare Funding and Christian Ethics. Dr Duckett‘s book is centred on the ‘Good Samaritan’ parable (Luke 10: 25-37) and draws out of that parable three themes which should inform healthcare funding policy: compassion as a motivator, addressing the question of why we care; inclusivity or social justice as to benefits, who do we care for; and stewardship of resources required to achieve the ends of treatment and prevention, that is, what should be provided.

About forty people gathered at St Peter’s Eastern Hill Anglican parish on 1 November 2023 for an event co-sponsored by the parish and the Religion and Social Policy Network to celebrate the launch of the book by the Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne, Dr Philip Freier. The launch was structured as a conversation, with John Bottomley, the chair of the Network, as master of ceremonies. Three panelists reflected on the book from their quite different perspectives.

Dr Travers McLeod, Executive Director of the Brotherhood of St Laurence, accepted that the three principles could apply more broadly, and are relevant for community services. However, he challenged Duckett’s conception of the responsible stewardship principle, which was potentially overly individually oriented, and rather argued that responsible stewardship should also emphasise the role of stewardship of the whole system.

Rev Assoc Prof Robyn Whitaker, from Pilgrim Theological College in the University of Divinity, addressed the book’s focus on public theology and the call for compassionate and prophetic Christian voices in the public square. She also raised the question of social justice, in particular, pointing out that those who are not at the decision-making table can be affected adversely by decisions about them.

Finally, Professor Nathan Grills, Professor of Global Health in the University of Melbourne’s School of Population and Global Health, discussed the application of the book’s principles to low and middle income countries, using India as an example, and argued that it was even more relevant in those countries.

Purchase this book

The book is published by Cambridge University Press, and is available through St Peter’s Bookroom.

Book Details

Title: Healthcare Funding and Christian Ethics
Author: Stephen Duckett
Publication date: 2023
ISBN number: 9781009260664
DOI: 9781009260640
Publisher name: Cambridge University Press

Article provided by Dr Stephen Duckett