The Australian Indigenous Psychologists Association (AIPA) and the Australian Psychological Society (APS) have brought together six of Australia’s peak psychology organisations to take a firm stance against racism in any form.
In a position statement released today, psychologists are standing together to call out and combat racism in the profession, the discipline and communities across Australia.
APS President Ros Knight said experience of racism in any form can have significant impacts on mental health and wellbeing.
“Evidence shows that racism acts as a barrier to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living thriving lives. It has a destructive impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ education, health, mental health and wellbeing, well beyond its immediate impact.
“Racism in our country is completely undermining all efforts to close the gap in health and other outcomes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians,” she said.
AIPA Co-Chair Ms Tania Dalton noted that the global Black Lives Matter movement has led to a refocus on black deaths in custody closer to home.
“The similarities between how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia, and African American, Black American and Native American peoples in the US, are treated by the justice system and law enforcement are obvious”.
“Tragically, more than 400 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have died in custody since the end of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal deaths in custody in 1991.
“That is more than 400 of our brothers and sisters, our mothers and fathers, our cousins and our friends. This has to stop, and it has to stop now,” she said.
The peak psychology bodies have reaffirmed their commitment to action, and called on others to join.
- Australian Indigenous Psychologists Association (AIPA)
- Australian Psychological Society (APS)
- Association of Counselling Psychologists (ACP)
- Australian Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA)
- Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)
- Heads of Departments and Schools of Psychology Association (HODSPA)
- Institute of Clinical Psychologists (ICP)
- Institute of Private Practising Psychologists (IPPP)
Position statement
Black Lives Matter: Psychologists take a stand against racism
For more information, or to arrange an interview call the APS Media team on 03 8662 3358 / 0435 896 444, or email. Find the APS Media team on Twitter: @AustPsych
The APS is the largest professional organisation for psychologists in Australia, representing more than 27,000 members. The APS is committed to advancing psychology as a discipline and profession. It spreads the message that psychologists make a difference to people’s lives, through improving psychological knowledge and community wellbeing.