The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) and the National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners (NAATSIHWP) have launched a new guide to help ensure the primary care Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients receive is culturally safe and responsive.
Launched ahead of National Reconciliation Week at the College's Practice Owners Conference 2025, the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners in Primary Health Care – Guide for General Practice was developed by NAATSIHWP and is an RACGP-endorsed professional resource.
Dr Wright welcomed the launch of the guide.
"National Reconciliation Week is the perfect opportunity to promote this comprehensive resource," he said.
"It's designed to support practices across Australia in recruiting and retaining Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners as part of a multidisciplinary care team. These are workers who provide clinical skills, invaluable cultural knowledge and patient care with a focus on culturally safe practice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. They play a vital role every day ensuring Australia's healthcare system meets the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
"I'm proud to lead a college that is perfectly positioned in advancing this initiative and shaping the future of culturally safe general practice care. We are endorsing this guide to increase awareness and engagement, promote culturally safe multidisciplinary care, and support superior health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients across Australia. Partnering with the NAATSIHWP is part of our broader effort to achieve positive change, including under our RACGP Innovate Reconciliation Act Plan."
CEO of NAATSIHWP, Karl Biscoe, said the guide's launch represented a positive step forward.
"It was an honour to collaborate with the RACGP and offer this guide as a tool for general practices to strengthen their multidisciplinary teams, through the sustainable integration of our Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Practitioner Workforce."
The guide includes:
information on the role, skills and qualifications of the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Health Practitioner Professions
demonstrates how the profession can be integrated into models of care by supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Checks, GP Management Plans, Team Care Arrangements and the provision of follow-up care
clarifies the wide range of the Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS) Item Numbers applicable to the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Health Practitioner professions
includes strategies for supporting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners in general practice settings.
Held annually, the Practice Owners Conference ran from 24–25 of May at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, and featured practical sessions, panel discussions and other opportunities to help practices thrive in caring for patients in their communities. National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May – 3 June and is a time for all Australians to learn about shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how they can contribute to reconciliation.
