Policy work
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workforce Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan 2021–2031
Governments and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled health sector have co-designed a new National Workforce Plan. Its full name is the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workforce Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan 2021–2031.
The National Workforce Plan supersedes our previous National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workforce Strategic Framework 2016–2023. It combines a refreshed strategic framework and implementation plan into one document.
By 2031, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will represent 3.43% of the Australian working age population (ages 15 to 64). The National Workforce Plan’s target is to increase Indigenous employment in the health workforce to reach the same level (3.43%) over the next decade.
The plan focuses on attracting, recruiting and retaining Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the health workforce across Australia. It supports policy reforms, including the:
- National Agreement on Closing the Gap 2020
- National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan.
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workforce Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan 2021–2031
Initiatives and programs
See a list of programs we fund to develop Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce.
Also see our page on jobs and scholarships for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce.
Who we work with
To grow the capacity of the Indigenous health workforce, we work with organisations that:
- provide advice and support to their specific health workforce
- take part in developing and implementing Indigenous health workforce policies, priorities and programs
- are working to increase the cultural capability of the broader health workforce.
We provide funding to the:
- National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners (NAATSIHWP)
- Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA)
- Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives (CATSINaM)
- Indigenous Allied Health Australia
- Leaders in Indigenous Medical Education (LIME) Network.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet
We provide core funding to the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet. The HealthInfoNet provides easy access to research and knowledge about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. It includes sections on:
- cultural safety for health professionals
- courses and job listings
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers.
Consultations
We regularly consult the Australian public about issues that affect health. Check our consultations hub for details of any currently open consultations for the health workforce related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
Contact
