As the RANZCP Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024–2026 approaches its conclusion in May 2026, important contributions have been made to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into key areas of the College.

Last year in November, members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Committee participated in a joint Partnership Committee Reconciliation Action Plan event in Auckland. The hui (meeting) brought together representatives from partnership committees, Te Kaunihera and the Community Collaboration Committee to share insights and learnings from their reconciliation work, including approaches that have been impactful. Through facilitated conversations, participants explored some of the challenges and opportunities involved in developing and implementing a Reconciliation Action Plan. A key outcome of the hui was a commitment to document and circulate these insights with the RAP Steering Group to guide and strengthen future reconciliation initiatives.

Another highlight was the appointment of Kath Ryan as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Representative on the New Fellowship Program Taskforce. In this role, she has been working alongside a group of experts to design the structure of the College’s new Fellowship program, set to launch in 2030. Kath’s leadership and expertise have been instrumental in ensuring that First Nations perspectives are meaningfully embedded into the program’s design. 

National Close the Gap Day 2026 on 19 March provided an important moment to reflect on our shared responsibility to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Closing the Gap 2025 Annual Report and 2026 Implementation Plan found that Australia is continuing to fail First Nations Australians in striving for social, health, and economic equality. Psychiatrists have a vital role to play in advocating for culturally safe, equitable care and in supporting the broader movement towards closing the gap. The College has called on the Federal Government to expand rural psychiatrist training with priority for First Nations applicants, and for locally based, culturally safe specialist care in regional and remote Australia.

To date, 73 out of 91 actions identified in the plan have been completed with several others currently in progress. While not all actions have been finalised, the College remains firmly committed to advancing reconciliation as an ongoing journey. In collaboration with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Committee, the College is reviewing dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff roles and responsibilities to strengthen delivery of the next Reconciliation Action Plan and provide appropriate level of support. The foundations established through this Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan will continue to guide future College work.