Racism in healthcare is unacceptable says RACGP

The Royal Australian College of GPs has outlined commitments to step towards eliminating racism in Australia’s healthcare system in a new position released today on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. 

The position statement on Racism in the Healthcare System affirms the RACGP’s zero-tolerance approach to any form of racism and commitment to measure, challenge and address racism in general practice, GP training and the broader healthcare system. 

RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said: “I’m proud to be launching the RACGP’s updated position on racism, which is an important milestone for our college and the 50,000 plus members we represent.  

“Every GP has the right to enjoy a career free from racism and every patient has the right to access healthcare free from racism. But we know many GPs and patients from culturally and racially marginalised groups experience racism in the healthcare system.  

“We recognise the unique challenges and discrimination faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their leadership in efforts to eliminate racism, and that truth telling is a fundamental step in eliminating racism. We also recognise the harms of racism towards people who have recently migrated to Australia and those of people from second and third generation migrant families. We stand against racism in the healthcare system in all its forms.  

“The RACGP is committed to systemic reform by recognising, measuring, and acting on it at all levels. We recognise that listening to our members affected by racism, and ensuring they set the drivers of change and measures of success is key to meaningful and lasting change. 

“GPs see 9 in 10 people in Australia every year. Ensuring we provide respectful, trauma-informed and culturally appropriate care is key to improving health outcomes, equity, and closing the gap. 

“The RACGP’s updated position on racism outlines our commitments to address it, including implementing our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural and Health Training Framework, which embeds Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values and ways of being and doing in GP education and training across Australia.  

“The RACGP is committed to advocating for a healthcare system free from racism. Our Plan for Accessible, Affordable GP care for all Australia calls for funding for a tool to measure and monitor racism in general practice, and guidelines to support racism-free services. This will support GPs to take critical steps towards a racism-free health system.”    

RACGP Board Chair Dr Sian Goodson said racism is an urgent national health priority. 

“The RACGP’s updated position puts the College’s commitments to address racism on the record. This is important for us as Australia’s peak general practice body, for our members across the country, and the people and communities they care for every day,” she said. 

“Governments committing to the implementation of the Australian Human Rights Commission’s National Anti-Racism Framework will be an important enabler for change.  

“I also note our important and longstanding partnership with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO). Together, we jointly advocate for a culturally safe and accessible healthcare system that is free from racism, and develop key recourses, including the the NACCHO-RACGP National guide to preventive healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people which includes a chapter on the health impacts of racism. 

“Every step along the way to a racism-free health system and society is important, and the RACGP is committed to continuing action for our members, their patients, and all communities and groups affected."