The Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM; the College) supports a Voice to Parliament and Declaration of Recognition in the Australian Constitution for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to help drive urgently-needed changes and provide a clear and practical way forward for self-determination, as an essential step in the nation’s reconciliation journey.
This position builds on ACEM’s previous support of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the recommendations of the Referendum Council established to consider constitutional recognition for First Australians.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are the First Peoples of Australia, and this should be recognised in the Australian Constitution.
ACEM’s vision is for emergency departments and the broader health system to be free from racism, discrimination, and inequity, where all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can access culturally safe health services that meet their needs.
ACEM believes that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are listened to and given agency on all issues, laws and policies that impact their communities there are profound benefits to their health and wellbeing.
Read the full ACEM position statement here.