25 May 2011
Mental health benefits in constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists supports the recognition of Indigenous Australians in the
Australian Constitution and encourages all Australians to contribute to a national conversation on the issue.
The release of a public discussion paper on Indigenous constitutional recognition and the corresponding
www.youmeunity.org.au website by the Australian Human Rights Commission provides the platform for a national
conversation about updating the Australian Constitution to reflect modern Australia. Recognition of our first peoples
and their culture will benefit all Australians.
“The lack of acknowledgement of a people’s existence in a country’s constitution has a major impact on their sense of
identity and value within the community, and perpetuates discrimination and prejudice which further erodes the hope of
Indigenous people. There is an association with socioeconomic disadvantage and subsequent higher rates of mental
illness, physical illness and incarceration,” said Dr Maria Tomasic, President of The Royal Australian and New Zealand
College of Psychiatrists.
“Recognition in the Constitution would have a positive effect on the self esteem of Indigenous Australians and reinforce
their pride in their culture and history. It would make a real difference to the lives of Indigenous Australians, and is
an important step to support and improve the lives and mental health of Indigenous Australians” said Dr Tomasic.
“The Indigenous people of Australia suffer levels of mortality, morbidity and compromised wellbeing far in excess of
non-Indigenous Australians. This reflects issues of social injustice, persistent social and economic disadvantage and
the historical legacy of colonisation with its destruction of Indigenous culture,” said Dr Tomasic.
“We need to recognise that social injustice and racism are still causing serious suffering and mental ill health for
Indigenous people,” said Dr Tomasic.
“Despite recent developments such as the ‘Apology’ from Prime Minister Rudd, the ‘Closing the Gap’ campaign and other
positive steps, as well as initiatives and resilience of Indigenous communities, the current high rates of social
disadvantage, emotional and physical health problems continue,” said Dr Tomasic.
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists encourages people to read the discussion paper and think
about and discuss the issues with family, friends and work colleagues. Consider attending a consultation meeting,
providing feedback or submitting a written submission to the Expert Panel on the constitutional recognition of
Indigenous Australians so that all Australians are part of the conversation.
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