A new report from the Australian Human Rights Commission highlights the severe impact of racism on the health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, as well as other marginalized communities in Australia. Titled “Health inequities in Australia: A scoping review on the impact of racism on health outcomes and healthcare access,” the report indicates that both systemic and interpersonal racism significantly contribute to poor health, chronic illnesses, and premature deaths among affected populations.
Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman described the findings as a wake-up call for the nation. He stated, “This report confirms what communities have been saying for decades: racism in the health system is not just unfair—it can kill.” The Commissioner emphasized that when individuals are denied care or misdiagnosed due to their race, the consequences can be fatal.
The scoping review synthesizes evidence from over 100 studies, including contributions from First Nations researchers at the University of Technology Sydney. It underscores how racism can lead to mental health issues, chronic disease, and reduced life expectancy. The report also reveals a pervasive mistrust of healthcare systems, stemming from repeated experiences of discrimination, neglect, and stereotyping.
“We cannot close the gap in health outcomes without confronting the racism that underpins it,” Sivaraman stated. He called attention to the systemic nature of the issue, remarking, “It’s not about isolated incidents. It’s about a system that too often fails people because of who they are. That must change.”
Urgent Reforms Needed
The report advocates for immediate reforms to address these critical issues. Key recommendations include:
– Embedding cultural safety standards in healthcare.
– Providing accessible anti-racism training for health professionals.
– Expanding interpreter services to ensure equitable access.
– Supporting Indigenous and culturally diverse-led health initiatives through community programs.
– Recognizing historical trauma in health strategies.
– Strengthening anti-discrimination laws and introducing a federal Human Rights Act.
– Promoting job security and workplace protections.
– Ensuring diverse voices in policymaking and governance.
– Conducting longitudinal studies on racism and health, particularly regarding intersectional impacts.
Sivaraman stressed that “Racism is a public health emergency. We need to treat it with the same urgency and seriousness as any other threat to life.” He urged both federal and state governments to commit to the health-based recommendations outlined in the National Anti-Racism Framework.
The report aligns with the goals of this framework, serving as a roadmap for governments, health institutions, and communities to dismantle discriminatory structures. It aims to create a healthcare system that is safe, inclusive, and equitable for all.
Reactions from Healthcare Leaders
Healthcare professionals and advocates have echoed the report’s findings. Dr. Michael Wright, President of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), emphasized the prevalence of structural racism and its harmful effects on health in Australia. “Racism harms social and emotional wellbeing and increases the risk of chronic disease for those who experience it,” he remarked. The RACGP has a zero-tolerance approach to racism and advocates for the implementation of the National Anti-Racism Framework.
Katie Kiss, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, added, “Racism makes First Peoples unwell, and it’s unacceptable that First Peoples are dying from diseases that have been eradicated in the rest of the population decades ago. This needs to urgently change.”
Shaye Candish, General Secretary of the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association, affirmed a shared responsibility to address racism. “We all have a duty to address racism and chart a positive path forward for all communities,” she remarked. The association is committed to collaborating with various stakeholders to eliminate racism in health and aged care systems.
The findings of this report serve as a critical reminder of the systemic issues affecting health outcomes in Australia, underscoring the urgent need for reform and collective action to ensure equitable healthcare for all.
