Policy and Advocacy Priorities

The RACP’s policy and advocacy priorities are set by the College Policy and Advocacy Council and other College bodies.   

Influencing health policy

The RACP and its members actively engage in health policy deliberations and decision-making in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

End of life

As populations age and chronic age-related diseases increase good end-of-life-care becomes a priority. Find out more about the RACP's views on what constitutes best-practice end-of-life-care.

Disability

The RACP recognises the importance of disability advocacy for safeguarding people’s rights and overcoming barriers to ensure full and effective participation and inclusion in society.

Integrated Care

We believe health care services across different specialties should be able to function as one integrated whole. Learn more about this health care sector transforming concept.

Alcohol

Use of alcohol is widely socially accepted. Less widely known are the multiple individual and social harms that result from excessive alcohol use. Learn more about them and our views on the harms to nations that result from embracing a drinking culture.

Refugee and Asylum Seeker Health

We believe the mandated detention of people arriving in Australia by boat without visas is unethical and wrong. Find out more about our position on refugee and asylum seeker health and the public actions our physicians and paediatricians are taking.

Medical Benefits Schedule Review

We are advising on a once-in-a-generation review to re-engineer Australia’s health system to support high-value care. Find out more here.

Climate Change and Health

The health impacts of climate change will affect us all. Spreading tropical diseases and heat stress on vulnerable populations are just two examples.

Obesity

The prevalence of obesity has increased rapidly in Australia and NZ. Find out more about what actions are needed to prevent obesity and reduce its impact across the life course.

Voluntary Assisted Dying

In recent years, a number of proposals to legalise voluntary assisted dying have been considered by Parliaments in Australia and New Zealand. Find out more about the RACP’s work on this complex issue.

Medical Specialist Access Framework

The Medical Specialist Access Framework is a guide to promote and support equitable access to specialist care for Australia's Indigenous peoples.

Inequities in Child Health

Child health inequities can start early in childhood or even before birth and increase over time, meaning that the greater a child’s disadvantage, the worse their health, development and wellbeing.

Employment, Poverty and Health

Doctors have the ability to influence a fundamental shift in our healthcare system from treatment to prevention, and improve the overall quality of life in Australia and New Zealand.

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