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Aim: We aim to promote discussion about an Indigenous Cultural Identity of Research Authors Standard (ICIRAS) for academic journal publications. Context: This is based on a gap in research publishing practice where Indigenous peoples' identity is not systematically and rigorously flagged in rural health research publications. There are widespread reforms, in different research areas, to counter the reputation of scientific research as a vehicle of racism and discrimination against the world's Indigenous peoples. Reflecting on these broader movements, the editorial teams of three rural health journals—the Australian Journal of Rural Health, the Canadian Journal of Rural Medicine, and Rural and Remote Health—recognised that Indigenous peoples' identity could be embedded in authorship details. Approach: An environmental scan (through a cultural safety lens where Indigenous cultural authority is respected, valued, and empowered) of literature was undertaken to detect the signs of inclusion of Indigenous peoples in research. This revealed many ways in which editorial boards of Journals could systematically improve their process so that there is 'nothing about Indigenous people, without Indigenous people' in rural health research publications. Conclusion: Improving the health and wellbeing of Indigenous peoples worldwide requires high quality research evidence. The philosophy of cultural safety supports the purposeful positioning of Indigenous peoples within the kaleidoscope of cultural knowledges as identified contributors and authors of research evidence. The ICIRAS is a call‐to‐action for research journals and institutions to rigorously improve publication governance that signals "Editing with IndigenUs and for IndigenUs". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the highlights of the 13th virtual Rural and Remote Mental Health Symposium (RRMHS) in Australia in November 2021. Topics include the effects of COVID-19 on rural mental health service reform and the benefits of physical health, vaccination and social well-being as components of a holistic approach to mental health and well-being. Presenters include Doctors Ruth Vine and Leanne Beagley and nurse Jo Rasmussen.

People diagnosed with mental illness have relatively poor physical health and die earlier than their counterparts in the general population. People living with mental illness in rural Australia have three times the risk of premature death than the total population. This article reviews recent international, Australian and New Zealand research, identifies the increased risk of early death of people living with mental health issues in rural settings and looks at the need for policy and practice responses. The 'Equally Well' national initiatives are described in Australia and New Zealand, which seek to systematically address this inequity as a matter of priority. Finally, it argues for co‐design and consumer participation in policy development, program implementation and research. Improved understanding of the perspectives and priorities of people with experience of mental illness is vital if change is to be fully realised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author discusses information about the Stronger Rural Health Strategy and associated budget released in Australia in May 2018. Topics mentioned include the strategy's lack in actions to improve the availability of medical specialists in rural communities, priority for training students close to their place of residence, and the importance of supporting rural health workers to maintain and develop their skills.

An editorial is presented on the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) report entitled "Mortality of people using mental health services and prescription medications" which was released on September 2017. It states that ABS it reports on the mortality of people who are gaining access to the Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS) or the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidised mental health-related treatments.