Manual of Resources for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention

Royal Australian College of Physicians (RACP)

The Royal Australian College of Physicians (specialist doctors) College Policy and Advocacy Council Plan 2022–2026 includes justice and equity for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori and Pasifika peoples as one of four foundational principles.

While the RACP does not directly represent mental health practitioners, its inclusion of paediatrics, neurology, rehabilitation medicine, addiction medicine and public health specialties means its work is highly relevant to the holistic framing of social and emotional wellbeing.

RACP was one of four health peaks (with RACGP, RANZCP and NACCHO) to call the rate of Indigenous youth suicide a national emergency in early 2019.

RACP also acknowledges the circumstances of Aboriginal people within many of its position statements. For example its Employment, Poverty and Health: A Statement of Principles (2019) includes acknowledgement that: “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Māori communities experience additional difficulties related to racism, exclusion, loss of culture and restricted self-determination. These factors contribute to poorer health outcomes in the context of ongoing colonisation.”

Its submission to the Australian National Audit Office’s Audit of Expansion of Telehealth Services (2022) includes references to the particular needs of Indigenous people in accessing telehealth consultations.

Its Submission to The Early Years Strategy Discussion Paper emphasises the central role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations in advising on services for Indigenous children and calls on the government to ensure their views are properly considered in the development of policy.

More Suggested Resources

The Healing Foundation is a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation that partners with communities to address the ongoing trauma caused by actions including the forced removal of children from their families.

The APS promotes its advocacy on Indigenous issues; among its public actions it has made a formal apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and funded a bursary for Indigenous psychology students.

The LIME Network advocates for improved teaching and learning about Indigenous health in medical schools, as well as for best practice in the recruitment and retention of Indigenous medical students and trainees.

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