RACGP reaffirms Uluru Statement commitment

The RACGP has reaffirmed its commitment to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, acknowledging the knowledge, strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
 
In a new position statement, the college has reiterated its support for the three pillars of voice, treaty and truth, saying it recognises that ‘truth-telling and sovereignty are crucial in overcoming health inequalities’.
 
First shared at the 2017 First Nations National Constitutional Convention, the Uluru Statement from the Heart calls for the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution, as well as a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreement-making.
 
The RACGP has been a public supporter of the Uluru Statement since 2018 and is now encouraging the Federal Government to deliver treaty and truth-telling as the remaining reforms of the statement.
 
‘The RACGP acknowledges the cultural and practical knowledge within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector as essential to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to achieve health equity,’ the college’s position statement says.
 
‘The RACGP has a zero-tolerance approach to racism in general practice and commitments to support a healthcare system that is free from racism.’
 
The statement also says the perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clinicians and patients are crucial to achieving health system reform.
 
It states that the RACGP ‘accepts that colonisation is not a single past event but a process that continues to this day, including in experiences of racism and exclusion from healthcare services, and from social and economic opportunities’.
 
RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Chair Dr Karen Nicholls said there is strong evidence that an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare workforce delivers better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
 
‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander GPs are such an important part of our health workforce, and continuing to support and grow this workforce is a priority,’ she said.
 
‘The RACGP currently has over 160 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander GP fellows who are excelling in a wide range of healthcare settings and locations … and we look forward to the day when we can celebrate our 200th GP fellow.  
 
‘We have incredible GP leaders who have been GPs for decades and broke through barriers and paved the way, providing that legacy of strength and demonstrating what is possible for community.’
 
The release of the RACGP’s statement coincides with NAIDOC Week 2025, with college President Dr Michael Wright saying it is a time to reflect on and acknowledge the histories, cultures and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
 
‘We believe that self-determination and truth-telling are vital to achieving health equity, and health outcomes are stronger when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples take control over their communities’ health and wellbeing,’ he said.
 
‘This is demonstrated through Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, which provide high-quality clinical and culturally safe healthcare designed by the community, for the community. 
 
‘Advancing the Uluru Statement from the Heart will increase real opportunities for the Government to support self-determination, implement priority reform areas and achieve targets under the National Closing the Gap agreement.’
 
Log in below to join the conversation.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health NAIDOC Week Uluru Uluru Statement Uluru Statement from the Heart