The Australian Psychological Society and Australia's indigenous people: A decade of action

This paper highlights the achievements of the past decade, together with th e shortcomings and future needs, of the Australian Psychological Society (A PS) in addressing its social and professional responsibilities towards Aust ralia's Indigenous peoples. A selective chronology of events and initiative s since the 1988 International Congress in Psychology in Sydney is presente d and critically examined. Reference is made to parallel national and inter national developments by indigenous peoples in reclaiming direction, contro l, and appropriate partnership in their own mental health issues. The estab lishment of the APS Interest Group on Aboriginal Issues, Aboriginal People and Psychology represents one such partnership. While psychology's response to the reflection and reconciliation processes underway in Australian soci ety in recent years might be described as sluggish, the accomplishments of the last decade provide a solid foundation for the development of culturall y inclusive systems of education, training, and professional service delive ry.