According to the 2022 Close the Gap report, climate change has a disproportionate impact on the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As outlined in the 2022 report, climate change 'compound[s] historical injustices and disrupt[s] cultural and spiritual connections to Country, a central determinate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing’ 9.
When preparing for an emergency, it is important to take into consideration the needs of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their connection to country and potential loss of culturally significant sites. Losing a particular site may mean the loss of an ability to perform cultural practices and may give rise to longer term grief.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are not homogenous and will need different approaches, collaboration and co-ordination to devise emergency response plans. General practices are encouraged to be in regular contact with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and their families to understand what they need, and how they may be able to provide appropriate care.
Evacuation plans need to be a collaborative process with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community groups to facilitate temporary relocation to culturally appropriate land, and they may need long term healing and counselling services to help adjust to the changes brought about by the emergency 10.
The 'Close the Gap 2022' report and The Australian Indigenous Health InfoNet website provides information on collaborating with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and local communities to ensure culturally appropriate emergency management plans.