History of the Interest Group

The APS has been involved in Aboriginal and Torres  Strait Islander issues since the 1960s, when a Queensland group became active with submissions to government on secondary education and child welfare.  The original Group for Aboriginal Issues, Aboriginal People and Psychology was established primarily as a way of assisting Indigenous members to the Society to network and promote discussion of social issues with non-Indigenous members. The APS Interest Group re-formed in 1992.

Terms of Reference

The Terms of Reference of the Interest Group are:

• promoting the psychological study and advocacy of issues related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
• improving relationships between psychologists and the Australian Indigenous community;
• providing advice to psychologists working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities;
• the development of ethical guidelines for the provision of psychological services; and
• conducting research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.