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.
Further information can be found at www.naccho.org.au/fnhwtp.
Quotes attributable to Minister Linda Burney:
“Hundreds of trainees are taking up this exciting opportunity to make a real difference.
“This new generation of trainees will deliver more culturally safe services closer to home.
“More Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers will also mean better outcomes - delivering culturally safe, trusted and high quality care.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Malarndirri McCarthy:
“We are incredibly pleased to see so many enrolments in the First Nations Health Worker Traineeship program. In such a short time, this is an outstanding effort.
“This program is going to be a major boost for the healthcare system for years to come.
“By holistically and fully supporting trainees, this program is setting them up for success. They will go on to jobs across the health system and help grow the capacity of mainstream services to better support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.
“In creating more opportunities, we are working towards Closing the Gap. I encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to consider the program and a career in healthcare.”
Quotes attributable to Pat Turner AM, CEO, National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation
"Four months since the launch of the First Nations Health Worker Traineeship Program, we are witnessing remarkable progress and a strengthened commitment to health sovereignty among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“This initiative not only equips trainees with essential skills and wrap around supports through culturally nuanced programs, but also bridges critical gaps in our healthcare system. Critically, growing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and human services workforce is key to achieving Closing the Gap Targets in health, wellbeing and education.
“Our journey towards building the Aboriginal Health Practitioner and Aboriginal Health Worker workforce by 2027 is well underway, reflecting our deep commitment to sustainable health outcomes and the principles of self-determination."