GPs call for stronger action on racism to Close the Gap
The Royal Australian College of GPs has welcomed the Federal Government’s Closing the Gap statement and has called on all State governments and Territories to put more resources into tackling racism to ensure it is a not a barrier to First Nations communities achieving their aspirations.
The call comes after the release of a Lowitja Institute report highlighting the effects of racism on the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
“We congratulate the Government on recognising the inspiration and aspiration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and acknowledging that community-led solutions work. They must now ensure that communities can fulfil these aspirations,” RACGP President Dr Michael Wright, pictured, said.
“Racism is a determinant of health. Research is showing that it is the single biggest risk factor to impact the gap in health outcomes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-indigenous Australians.
“Not only does racism in our communities have devastating effects on health, causing physiological disruption, immune system changes, disturbed sleep patterns and mental health impacts amongst those who experience it, it also costs almost $38 billion a year due to the health impacts.
“A report in the Lancet in 2024 found that eliminating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’s experiences of interpersonal racial discrimination could reduce mental health and sleep inequities by 42.4 and 48.5 per cent.
“This new report from the Lowitja Institute highlights these inequities and lays out clear targeted policy interventions to address racism and protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Time to commit
“Many of these interventions are echoed in the RACGP’s position statement on racism in the healthcare system which calls on governments to implement the National Anti-Racism Framework developed by the Australian Human Rights Commission, develop a clear definition of racism in health, and co-design health policy with patients and healthcare providers from culturally and racially marginalised backgrounds.
“We have the evidence and we have the solutions; it is time for all governments to commit to eliminating racism.
“This means not only addressing interpersonal racism but breaking down the systemic and structural racism that has plagued our health system and broader social systems for far too long.
“Elevating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led health solutions and prioritising culturally safe environments is key. As is supporting GPs to have the time to care for patients who are experiencing the health impacts of racism.
“The RACGP is taking action to support the elimination of racism within our organisation, in general practice, general practice training and across healthcare as a whole.
Impact of colonisation
“This includes acknowledging the ongoing impact of colonisation, listening to those who experience racism, and fostering a culture of truth-telling. It also includes challenging structural barriers and unequal power dynamics and doing better when it comes to combatting racism.
“We are committed to co-creating a health system that is entirely free from racism and discrimination, and we hope to see the same commitment reflected in efforts from all levels of government in 2026.”
