The concept of ‘institutional racism’ refers to the existence in organisations of governance structures that create a corporate culture and ensuing policies and practices that result in discrimination between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and others. It is distinct from a mindset or acts of racism on the part of individual members of the organisation’s workforce or of other forms of systemic racism. The existence of an institutionally racist governance structure need not be intentional; institutional racism can be considered as being exhibited even in organisations which ostensibly have policies and practices which do not discriminate but which nonetheless have differential impact and thereby act to create inequality in service delivery and in outcomes.

The consequences of institutional racism can have a serious effect and has been widely recognised as needing to be addressed.

This report summarises the outcome of the Health Performance Council’s work in this area in South Australia.