The APS Indigenous Taskforce brings together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, psychology representatives, and key partners to guide meaningful action and strengthen the role of psychology in supporting First Nations peoples and communities.
Established in 2026, the Taskforce is chaired by Professor Patricia Dudgeon AM and supported by the current APS President Dr Kelly Gough.
Indigenous leadership is provided by Professor Dudgeon, the Australian Indigenous Psychologists Association (AIPA) and the Australian Indigenous Psychology Education Project (AIPEP).
The Taskforce will guide key reconciliation initiatives across the profession, including recognising the 10‑year anniversary of the APS Apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and updating the APS Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Why this work matters
In 2016, the APS formally apologised to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples: a landmark commitment to the profession’s relationship with First Nation’s communities.
This Taskforce builds on that foundation by:
- Reflecting on what has changed in the decade since the Apology
- Recognising ongoing impacts, responsibilities and work still to be done
Identifying practical, meaningful actions for the APS to take in future. This includes strengthening relationships, supporting cultural responsiveness, and amplifying existing work across the sector.
What the Taskforce is doing
The Taskforce has two primary objectives:
- Commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the APS Apology: Plan and deliver acknowledgement of the 10th Anniversary of the APS Apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Review the APS Reconciliation Action Plan: Review and update the current Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and to ensure it reflects contemporary practice. This includes alignment with the Psychology Board of Australia’s revised registration competencies and Code of conduct.
Who is involved?
The Taskforce includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders from across the profession and APS representatives.
Co-Chairs:
- Professor Patricia Dudgeon AM
- Dr Kelly Gough, APS President
Members include representatives from:
- Australian Indigenous Psychologists Association (AIPA)
- Vanessa Edwige: Chair
- Tony Kiessler: CEO
- Australian Indigenous Psychology Education Project (AIPEP)
- Belle Selkirk: Research Fellow
- APS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Psychology Interest Group
- Kelleigh Ryan: Co-Convenor
- Yvonne Clark: Co-Convenor
- APS leadership and Board
Latest updates
This page will be updated throughout the year as the work of the Taskforce progresses.
Resources and related work
This Taskforce builds on and connects with existing APS and partner initiatives.
You may also be interested in:
APS members: Join the conversation over at in the . Not a member of the Interest Group? Register to join the Interest Group.
Stay connected
To stay updated:
Acknowledgement
The APS acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia’s First People and Traditional Custodians and pay our respects to Elders past and present.