Indigenous Health

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia suffer levels of mortality, morbidity and compromised wellbeing far in excess of non-Indigenous Australians. This reflects issues of social injustice, particularly persistent social, economic disadvantage and the historical legacy of colonisation with its destruction of Indigenous culture.

The Maori philosophy towards health is based on a wellness or holistic health model.  At birth, Maori life expectancy is 8.5 years lower than non-Maori, and lifetime prevalence of mental health problems is higher in the Maori population.  Development of strategies and initiatives to promote improved mental health must be familiar concepts within Maori communities. 

The College and Traditional Healing

• The Mark Sheldon Award

Submissions and reports

• Development of a National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan (December 2012)
• MCHA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander co-morbidity literature review (July 2012)
• Northern Territory Emergency Response Review Board (Aug 2008)

Policy

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health workers
• Recognition of Indigenous people in the Australian Constitution
• Stolen generations

Guidelines

• Guidance for involving families and whanau of mental health consumers/tangata whai ora in care, assessment and treatment processes
• Principles and guidelines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health

Other links

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Committee
• RANZCP Australian Indigenous mental health website
• Te Kaunihera

For more information contact policy@ranzcp.org