Our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples' mental health

The RANZCP is committed to addressing the longstanding inequities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia, and Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand, in both health outcomes and access to culturally safe mental health care. Central to this commitment is the College’s work to grow and sustain the Indigenous psychiatric workforce, promote cultural safety for both patients and psychiatrists, and embed culturally responsive practices across training, policy, and service delivery. Guided by its vision, the RANZCP acknowledges the enduring disparities in health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Māori, which reflect systemic barriers to appropriate health services and the social determinants of health. The College is advancing this agenda through multiple initiatives, including increasing representation of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori peoples among its membership and staff, strengthening education in culturally appropriate care, and implementing its Reconciliation Action Plan and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Reconciliation

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) vision for reconciliation is one in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have equal access to mental health and psychiatric care in a culturally appropriate environment.

The RANZCP recognises and acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional owners and custodians of Australia, and their continuing spiritual connection to land and sea.

We value the culture, history and traditions that are important components of the identity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples. We acknowledge that these essential elements contribute to the social and emotional well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The RANZCP supports the recognition of Australia’s first peoples in the nation’s founding document, the Constitution, as a policy initiative that will strengthen and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and communities.

Reconciliation Action Plan

The Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024–2026 acknowledges our responsibility and outlines our commitment to reconciliation and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The RANZCP Apology 1999

In 1999 following the release of the Australian Human Rights Commission Report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families, the ‘Bringing them home report’, the RANZCP responded by apologising for the role played by psychiatrists in the perpetuation of the Stolen Generations.

RANZCP Apology for the role played by psychiatrists in the Stolen Generations

This landmark Apology was a crucial step in the RANZCP’s reconciliation journey, providing a foundation for future reconciliation initiatives. The Apology forms the ongoing basis of the RANZCP Position Statement: Stolen Generations.

Current initiatives and resources

Current initiatives and resources in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Committee

The RANZCP's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Committee is composed of psychiatrists who have direct experience working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members who are involved in mental health service provision and policy development.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health committee