States, Territories and Aotearoa New Zealand Priorities
The RACP’s State, Territory, and Aotearoa New Zealand Committees advocate for health policy, support medical professionals, and drive change in their regions.
A particular focus of healthcare reform advocacy has been on Māori health and equity. This commitment is reflected in the priorities of both State and Territory committees, as well as those in Aotearoa New Zealand.
State and Territory Committee Priorities
RACP State and Territory Committees across Australia represent their trainees and Fellows on issues related to education and professional development and serve as policy and advocacy champions for members within their jurisdictions. They also support broader College policy and advocacy goals in the states and territories.
The State and Territory Committee Chairs are members of the College’s Policy and Advocacy Council and provide direct input into the College’s overarching policy and advocacy priorities.
State and Territory Committees serve as a vital part of the RACP policy and advocacy network by:
- Advocating on key local issues, particularly around workforce, member wellbeing, health reform and issues for priority populations
- being the first port of call for local Fellows and trainees regarding policy matters and communicating regularly with the local membership
- advocating on College policy matters, and maintaining strong relationships with state and territory Health Ministers and other key regional stakeholders
- forming strong relationships with hospitals and health organisations
- supporting national campaigns, drawing on their members’ expertise, local knowledge and networks
- advocating and escalating policy issues of state and territory importance to the broader College
- providing educational opportunities to local Fellows and trainees that align with broader College policy and advocacy goals
- recognising the policy and advocacy contributions of local members.
To contact your state and territory committee and other information, see Regional Offices.
For further information on regional policy priorities, email policy@racp.edu.au or browse the Policy and Advocacy Library for state and territory policy documents.
Aotearoa New Zealand Priorities
A particular focus of healthcare reform advocacy has been on Māori health and equity, which includes:
- Hauora Māori Strategy
- supported the replacement of district health boards by national bodies Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand and an independent Māori Health Authority Te Aka Whai Ora to ensure the health system met the needs of Māori, and opposed its disestablishment
- opposed the proposed Treaty Principles Bill, which would adversely impact collaboration with Māori and equitable healthcare.
The RACP also advocates and engages on a range of key health reform and equity issues, including:
- telehealth
- medication prescribing
- artificial intelligence
- reducing smoking
- the syphilis epidemic
- alcohol
- #MakeItTheNorm campaign – for healthy housing, good work, Whānau wellbeing and health equity to be the norm for all people throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
For more information on the RACP’s health reform and equity work in Aotearoa New Zealand, see our most recent election statement and our Policy and Advocacy Library for recent submissions.
Latest election statements