Colonisation refers to the systems of power that facilitate the oppression of Indigenous Peoples and their ability to practice their cultures and access their lands. Colonisation began at the time of European invasion in Australia.

Decolonisation is the cultural, psychological and economic freedom of Indigenous Peoples with the primary goal of achieving sovereignty. Equally important in decolonisation is thinking about ways to decolonise, and acts of decolonisation.

Understanding colonisation is an essential part of closing the gap in health and social outcomes for Indigenous Peoples. The health, human and community services sector will not increase life expectancy and improve the quality of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ lives for both patients and employees if there is not an understanding of the historical and contemporary factors that have contributed to poor health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (Victorian Government, 2019).  Understanding colonisation ensures that Indigenous Peoples are not blamed for these health outcomes, and that they are understood within their historical context.

Colonisation has impacted the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples through the prioritising of Western biomedical paradigms of health over Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander paradigms of health. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, due to colonisation, have lost much of their access to their lands, skies and waterways, and are often unable to practice their cultures without interference from the State. This oppression can severely impact the physical and mental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Further, the legacy of colonial practices, such as the Stolen Generations, has resulted in a deep mistrust of the health system for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples' hospital experiences, if not culturally safe, as well as historical events such as the forced removal of children, may lead to fear and distrust in the medical system. This may subsequently lead to delayed presentation to hospital, discharging against medical advice, not engaging with treatment, and poorer health outcomes. Recognising the impact of colonisation and striving to provide care that is culturally safe is one way in which to support the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. 

Colonisation, historical and continued marginalisation contribute to higher rates of social risk factors, including those related to childhood injury and death. For example, in Queensland, First Nations children are dying at 1.9 times the rate of non-Indigenous children, and First Nations children and young people die by suicide at 2.9 times the rate of non- Indigenous children and young people (Queensland Family and Child Commission, 2022).