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Strengthening commitments to culturally safe healthcare
This National Reconciliation Week, medical training organisations are reaffirming their commitment to a system free of inequity.
‘Step off the sidelines and commit to reconciliation every single day through actions that create meaningful change.’
The RACGP has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting GPs to provide healthcare that is culturally responsive, respectful and free from racism this National Reconciliation Week.
In 2026, the week’s theme is ‘All in’ – a call for all Australians to commit to reconciliation every day.
‘[It’s] a call for all Australians to step off the sidelines and commit to reconciliation every single day through actions that create meaningful change,’ said Reconciliation Australia CEO Karen Mundine.
To mark the week, Joint Colleges Training Services (JCTS), the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and the RACGP have banded together to strengthen their combined commitment to culturally safe healthcare.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said general practice plays a critical role in delivering culturally safe, high-quality care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
‘Through our Reconciliation Action Plan and our work with partners, we are helping build a health system that better meets the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their communities,’ he said.
The three organisations continue to work in partnership to highlight the ‘substantial disparities’ that remain in many health outcomes, despite several improvements in the healthcare system.
They say reconciliation is fundamental to improving these outcomes.
JCTS Chair Professor Peter O’Mara said cultural health education and safety training is critical for long-term change in health outcomes.
‘Through JCTS, we are embedding cultural safety into GP training and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander registrars,’ he said.
‘This is about building a workforce that is not only clinically capable, but culturally responsive and equipped to deliver better care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.’
ACRRM, RACGP and JCTS say they remain committed to working in genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well as embedding cultural safety, and supporting a workforce that delivers care grounded in respect, trust, and understanding.
This includes supporting the delivery of tailored programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander registrars in partnership with the Indigenous General Practice Trainee Network and supporting the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin said reconciliation must be reflected in ‘how we train and support doctors working in communities where the need is greatest’.
‘Through our work, we are strengthening culturally safe care and supporting a Rural Generalist workforce that is responsive to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.’
Members are invited to the RACGP’s ‘Healing in Action: National Reconciliation Week’ webinar on 2 June, 7:00 – 8:00 PM (AEST).
Join RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Chair Dr Karen Nicholls and Stacey Wells and Uncle David Wragge from the Healing Foundation to explore the ongoing impacts of forced removal on Stolen Generations survivors and how healthcare professionals can provide culturally safe care.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health National Reconciliation Week reconciliation
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