Indigenous Strategic Framework 2018-2028

Indigenous statements

Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Māori peoples present their Indigenous Strategic Framework statements on their history, culture, needs and rights.

Indigenous strategic framework

The RACP has a key commitment to develop and implement strategic initiatives that effectively contribute to improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and Māori peoples.

Strategic priorities

RACP addresses five key strategic priorities that form the Indigenous Strategic Framework for improving the healthcare and wellbeing of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and Māori peoples.

The RACP recognises the evidence that the health and wellbeing of Indigenous peoples in Australia and Aotearoa/New Zealand has been adversely affected as the result of colonisation, and that physical and spiritual health outcomes have been and continue to be compromised leading to a gap in life expectancy and health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. The RACP is fully committed to making a positive difference.

The RACP has a key commitment to develop and implement strategic initiatives that effectively contribute to improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and Māori, through the following priorities, which are to:

contribute to addressing Indigenous health equity differences
grow the Indigenous physician workforce
equip and educate the broader physician workforce to improve Indigenous health
foster a culturally safe and competent College
meet the new regulatory standards and requirements of the AMC and MCNZ

This Framework is a roadmap for the RACP to address these priorities, through short, medium and long-term strategies, with dedicated support and resources. It is a vehicle to support the RACP in reflecting on what’s needed to shape a College, a physician workforce, and health system which values and encompasses Indigenous perspectives on health and wellbeing. It’s an opportunity to ensure we are effective and unstinting in our work to bring about an Australia and Aotearoa/New Zealand that honours and draws upon its Indigenous cultures, knowledge and histories; that roots out and does not tolerate racism or discrimination; and that drives equitable access to healthcare, equitable health outcomes and equitable opportunities for Indigenous physicians.

Acknowledgment

The RACP would like to thank all those who contributed to the development of this strategic framework; the RACP members involved and external Indigenous leaders and organisations who gave generously of both their time and their expertise.

In particular, we acknowledge and are grateful for the leadership and commitment of the RACP’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Committee and Māori Health Committee members. Their guidance, hard work and enthusiasm is pivotal to the RACP’s work to contribute to improved health and equity for Australia and New Zealand’s Indigenous peoples, and in growing and supporting the Indigenous medical workforce.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee

Dr Tamara Mackean (Chair)
Professor Noel Hayman (Deputy Chair)
Dawn Casey (NACCHO)
Dr Angela Dos Santos
Dr Andrew Hutchinson
Dr Mark Lane
A/Professor Phillip Mills
Dr Jonathan Newchurch (AIDA)
Dr Naru Pal
Dr Simon Quilty
Dr Angela Titmuss

Māori Health Committee

Dr George Laking (Chair)
Dr Denise Bennett
Dr Danny de Lore
Dr Liza Edmonds
Dr Cheri Hotu
Dr Sandra Hotu
Dr Hirini Kaa
Dr Rod Nicholson
Dr Myra Ruka
Dr Arapera Salter
Dr Tane Taylor (RNZGP)

We would also like to acknowledge the invaluable contribution made by Associate Professor Wendy Edmondson to both the consultation process and the drafting of this document. Her advice, insights and strategic approach provided a robust, constructive and meaningful foundation to this work.

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