Top doc supports Uluru indigenous reforms

The new president of Australia's peak medical body has thrown his support behind aspirations for indigenous reform put forward at Uluru last year.

Tony Bartone, elected to lead the Australian Medical Association last week, said the Uluru Statement from the Heart contained the building blocks necessary to close the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous health outcomes.

"It was a fairly clear-cut decision for us to make," Mr Bartone told the ABC on Saturday.

"Those aspirations and recognitions really speak to a number of emotional, physical, and broader social, environmental issues that really will address, as we say, the social determinants of health."

Only three of seven targets in the government's Close-the-Gap program, to improve indigenous welfare, are on track of being met.

Labor has said if it is elected at the next federal election it will legislate a 'voice' to parliament, an idea first proposed as an outcome at the Uluru conference.

Indigenous Labor senator Pat Dodson is chairing a committee, due to report in July, examining whether an indigenous 'voice' to parliament should be written into the constitution.

Mr Bartone highlighted how Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations reflected aspirations to listen to Indigenous voices at all levels.

"It recognises the inherent qualities and behavioural patterns of our Indigenous population," he said.

"That is different from a traditional Western-type setting which we've become experienced with."

If a referendum was held on proposals in the Uluru statement, Mr Bartone said the AMA would use all available avenues to communicate its stance.

"We would take a front foot, more at an Association level, to ensure that we communicate with our stakeholders, with our leaders in parliament," he said.

"And with the community in general through our media connectivity to communicate that wish and desire."