24 October 2023

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) has expressed its sadness that a Constitutionally enshrined Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament has failed to pass at the referendum. 

The RACP respects the will of the Australian public but has concerns that the referendum result will hinder genuine self-determination for First Nations people, perpetuate unjust health inequalities, and worsen existing healthcare gaps between Indigenous Australians and non-Indigenous Australians.

First Nations peoples’ health outcomes have been harmed by colonialism and racism, which has manifested in many First Nations people living with chronic disease, lower life expectancy and disadvantage including higher incarceration and out-of-home care rates.

Dr Jacqueline Small, RACP President, says “The RACP’s support for the Voice is part of our long-standing commitment to play our part in improving the health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“The Voice to parliament is a lost opportunity. It would have given Indigenous Australians a greater say in policies that directly impact them. It would have helped us build trust and heal, improve access to culturally safe healthcare services, and support better health outcomes overall.”

“However, the RACP’s commitment to improving health outcomes for First Nations communities remains unchanged. As a country, we must now forge a new consensus on ways to right historic wrongs, including health and the social determinants of health.”

Professor Ngiare Brown, Chair, RACP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Committee and Yuin Nation woman from the South Coast of NSW, says “the no vote at the referendum is extremely disappointing for First Nations people.

“The only consolation is that more Australians than ever understand the challenges First Nations people face in striving for healthy, contributing lives. We must continue to advocate for Indigenous self-determination, because it is only through self-determination that we will secure the equality, dignity, and equitable access to healthcare that are our human rights.

“If politicians continue making policy pertaining to Indigenous peoples without their involvement the disparities will persist. The silver lining to the Referendum process is that a growing number of Australians understand how crucial our participation in decision making truly is.”