Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health
More than 300 people have enrolled in the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation's First Nations Health Worker Traineeship Program, marking a significant achievement for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations across the country.
The Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians and Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health, Malarndirri McCarthy provided an update on the program at the Joint Council on Closing the Gap meeting in Adelaide today.
The First Nations Health Worker Traineeship program, launched in March this year, is designed to address workforce shortages in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations.
51 trainees have already completed the program, actively enhancing the healthcare system.
The program has been designed by Indigenous organisations in genuine partnership with the government.
The training is being delivered by Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Registered Training Organisations, and involves on-the-job experience.
Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service plays a vital role in delivering training for Aboriginal Health Practitioners under the program, providing students additional wrap-around support. This support has significantly boosted completion rates at KAMS, aligning with their strategic goals of building a strong and sustainable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce.
Apunipima Cape York Health Council has appointed a Student Support Manager through the First Nations Health Worker Traineeship program, ensuring essential services are in place to prepare trainees for employment across Cape York upon graduation.
The Australian Government has committed $54.3 million to the program which will train up to 500 First Nations people as Aboriginal Health Workers and Aboriginal Health Practitioners.
