The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) congratulates Adam Goodes, ambassador for the Racism. It stops with me campaign as the recipient of Australian of the Year award 2014.
In February 2013, the RACGP endorsed the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Racism. It stops with me campaign and has since played an active role working with GPs to address racism experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the primary healthcare sector.
The Australian of the Year award celebrates the contributions and achievements of an eminent Australian citizen and is awarded to a nominee who has acted as a role model.
RACGP President, Dr Liz Marles, said the highly esteemed award is recognition of the tireless work Adam Goodes has carried out to counter racism towards and advocate on behalf of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“It is a fact that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients experience various forms of racism in their access to, and experience with, primary healthcare services.
“The RACGP acknowledges the work of Adam Goodes and his ability to inspire others to counter racism and inequality in all forms,” said Dr Marles.
The RACGP is committed to leading change within the primary healthcare profession to ensure a healthier Australia, free of racism.
“This honourable award provides an insight into the sentiment of all Australians and is a positive sign that great strides are being made towards achieving equality for all Australians, regardless of race,” said Dr Marles.
The RACGP Standards for general practices (4th edition) require practices to demonstrate that they routinely identify and record Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status in their active patient health records with the aim of reducing the number of unidentified patients failing to receive clinically and culturally appropriate care.