The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) will support National Reconciliation Week (NRW) by holding a range of events for members and staff, beginning at this evening’s National Sorry Day rally.
President of the RACGP Dr Bastian Seidel said NRW was an opportunity for the RACGP to reaffirm its commitment to equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and promote the provision of culturally-safe care in all general practices.
“At the RACGP we continue to take steps to make this vision of equality a reality,” Dr Seidel said.
“We’d like to see every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person in Australia attend any health service they want and feel confident they will receive high quality care,” Dr Seidel said.
“NRW is an important time for us to come together, reflect on our history, and look ahead to all that we need to do to improve the healthcare delivered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
Chair of RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Associate Professor Peter O’Mara said he was proud the RACGP would be heavily involved in this year’s National Sorry Day and NRW activities.
“NRW is always a significant time for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people but, given 2017 marks 50 years since the 1967 Referendum and 25 years since the historic Mabo decision, it is crucial we come together this year to take the next steps to equality,” Associate Professor O’Mara said.
“It is important all GPs, their patients and communities understand the significance of these events and how they impact health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“I am looking forward to seeing RACGP members and staff involved in National Sorry Day and NRW events, working together to understand and support Australia’s Indigenous peoples.”
A team of RACGP representatives will rally at Parliament House in Melbourne this evening to pay tribute to the stolen generations and their families and commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Bringing Them Home Report.
RACGP President Dr Bastian Seidel and Associate Professor Peter O’Mara are available for interview.