The Public Health Crisis of Acute Heart Disease and Coronial Inquiries

Deakin University’s Law Health and Society Research Unit is pleased to invite you to join us for a compelling public lecture exploring the overlooked public health crisis of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in Indigenous communities across Australia. Presented by Dr Ian Freckelton AO KC, this talk bridges clinical insight and legal inquiry, revealing how a decade of coronial inquests—spanning NSW, the NT, WA, and QLD—has exposed systemic healthcare failures. Through the lens of public health and coronial law, we’ll examine how preventable deaths from Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease—some in custody, many in remote regions—highlight deeper structural inequities. The presentation will make the case for further inquests and the urgent need for a national inquiry into this ongoing injustice. About the speaker: Dr Ian Freckelton AO KC is one of Australia’s most distinguished barristers and legal scholars. A King’s Counsel since 2007, he practises nationally across trial, appellate, and advisory work, and has been recognised as a leader in public, administrative, and criminal law. He is also a judge of the Supreme Court of Nauru. He is a Professor of Law and Professorial Fellow in Psychiatry at the University of Melbourne, an Honorary Professor of Forensic Medicine at Monash University and an Adjunct Professor at Auckland University of Technology, QUT, La Trobe University and Southern Cross University. He is the Editor of the Journal of Law and Medicine and the Founding Editor of Psychiatry, Psychology and Law. In 2021 Ian was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to the law and the legal profession, across fields including health, science and technology, and in 2024 he was awarded its highest honour by the International Academy of Law and Mental Health, the Prix Philippe Pinel. When: Monday, 15 September 2025 Where: Deakin Downtown, Level 12, 727 Collins St, Melbourne Time: Arrive at 5:30 for networking and refreshments before a 6:00pm start RSVP: Friday, 12 September 2025 For further details, contact Deakin Law School at dlssupport@deakin.edu.au