We are seeking nominations from interested Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander leaders to join the new First Nations Health Governance Group in 2024. We encourage applicants with expertise across a range of health disciplines to apply. Applications close 11:59 pm (AEST) on Friday 7 June 2024.
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We will establish Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partnership through the new First Nations Health Governance Group.
The group will drive improvements under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (CTG). This includes the health-related targets of life expectancy (Target 1), healthy birthweight (Target 2) and reduction in suicide (Target 14).
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2021-2031 (Health Plan) commits to establishing governance arrangements. The group will take on this governance role to oversee the Health Plan's implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. It will also oversee our implementation of the Priority Reforms under CTG.
About the First Nations Health Governance Group
The group has been co-designed with First Nations health sector leaders.
It will be in place until 2031 to align with the lifespan of the Health Plan and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workforce Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan 2021-2031 (Workforce Plan).
The group will share decision-making on implementing the Health Plan and areas for reform to improve health outcomes. The group's members will finalise its terms of reference. We will support the group to:
- share decision-making on implementing the Health Plan and Workforce Plan in our remit
- advise on the implementation of the Health Plan and the Workforce Plan beyond our remit
- share decision-making on actions to embed the CTG Priority Reforms within the department
- advise us and Australian Government health ministers on health priorities, decisions and progress
- call out systemic racism and advise on areas for reform to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- advise on and represent regional and local voices in health policies and services.
The group will be co-chaired by our Secretary and a First Nations member, agreed by the group at its first meeting. Membership will include representatives from key national organisations and skills-based members. Organisation-based members include:
- National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation
- National Health Leadership Forum
- departmental representatives (the Secretary and First Assistant Secretary of the First Nations Health Division).
Skills-based members will be appointed for 2-year terms to provide expertise across the breadth of our roles and responsibilities. These areas are data, research, workforce, mental health, ageing and aged care, comprehensive primary health care, and an independent First Nations health expert/professional.
Members of the group will agree on remuneration arrangements at its first meeting in mid-2024.
The group will meet up to 8 times a year, for up to 2 hours. Co-chairs may direct members to participate in additional briefings or out-of-session meetings. Members can opt for in-person or virtual attendance, with at least one full in-person meeting in Canberra each year.
Expressions of interest to join the group
We encourage Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander leaders interested in becoming skills-based members of the group to apply.
An assessment panel will consider inclusion strategies in making individual appointments. This will ensure the overall composition of the group is culturally safe and diverse.
Your application should outline how your qualifications, skills and experience will enable you to make informed decisions and contribute expert advice and strategic insights to one or more of the following areas.
Data
Ability to provide strategic insights to address complex health disparities in First Nations people. This includes:
- existing data measuring health disparities
- robust evaluation of programs and policies
- governance of Indigenous data.
Research
Ability to provide strategic insights on First Nations research. This includes:
- detection, prevention, treatment, and control of diseases and injury
- promotion of First Nations health and wellbeing.
Workforce
Ability to provide strategic insights on the First Nations health workforce to improve health outcomes, with a focus on cultural safety. This includes:
- workforce distribution
- education and training
- sustainability.
Mental health
Ability to provide strategic insights on First Nations leadership in the mental health system. This includes the combination of clinical and cultural concepts of mental health.
Ageing and aged care
Ability to provide strategic insights on improving the ageing and aged care sector for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander providers and Elders.
Comprehensive primary health care
Ability to provide strategic insights on improving the comprehensive primary health care system, with a focus on the continuity and coordination of holistic care.
Independent First Nations health expert/professional
Ability to provide strategic insights on:
- providing health services, and/or
- influencing cross-sector approaches across all levels of government and the health system.
How to apply
- Fill in the nomination form.
- Provide a recent curriculum vitae.
