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May 7, 2026Health Promotion Journal of Australia1 citationsOpen Access

Towards a Sustainable Future: Embedding Planetary Health in Allied Health Professional Education Through the Lens of Indigenous Knowledges

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KMKerstin McPhersonSBSarah BarradellKLKatrina Li

Key Points

  • This commentary addresses the integration of planetary health in allied health professional education, stressing Indigenous perspectives.
  • Discussion of current curriculum practices in Australia
  • Analysis of accreditation standards influencing education
  • Proposing a culturally grounded health curriculum framework
  • Emphasizes the fragmented integration of planetary health in education
  • Calls for urgent reforms to address planetary health challenges
  • Highlights the role of Indigenous eco-centric worldviews in understanding health interconnections

Abstract

Planetary health is increasingly recognised as an essential aspect of health professional education, yet its integration within allied health curricula in Australia remains fragmented. This commentary argues that meaningful and sustainable embedding of planetary health requires explicit engagement with Indigenous knowledges. Expanding curricula beyond Western views to include Indigenous eco-centric worldviews enables a deeper understanding of the interconnections between environmental health, human wellbeing and spiritual identity. We reflect on the influential role of accreditation standards in shaping educational priorities, highlighting the leadership demonstrated by medical and nursing professions and the relative absence of coordinated action across allied health in the context of planetary health. We propose the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Curriculum Framework as a culturally grounded lens through which planetary health education can be advanced within allied health education. Aligning planetary health capabilities with the Framework's five interconnected cultural capabilities offers a practical and transformative pathway to develop culturally capable graduates, strengthen environmental stewardship and promote climate justice. Urgent and inclusive educational reform is required to prepare the future allied health workforce for escalating planetary health challenges.

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Cite This Study

McPherson et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69fbf004164b5133a91a44d0https://doi.org/10.1002/hpja.70195
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