Consumer Partnership and Leadership
Aboriginal Engagement Program
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as the world’s oldest continuous culture, have long practiced strong health and wellbeing principles. Many successful Western programs are based on these practices. However, systemic, societal, and individual racism and injustice have had a major impact on health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
WA cannot have a safe, quality health system until these barriers are removed. We are committed to making sure the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are included in all health policy discussions and decisions.
Why Aboriginal Engagement Matters
- Cultural Competence: Collaborating with Aboriginal consumers helps services develop cultural competence, ensuring they better meet the needs of Aboriginal communities.
- Empowerment and Ownership: Involving Aboriginal people in health decisions empowers them to take ownership of their health, fostering a sense of agency and building trust between communities and healthcare providers.
- Addressing Health Disparities: The impacts of dispossession and colonisation have harmed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Actively engaging with Aboriginal people and communities helps develop strategies to close these gaps and promote better health outcomes.
- Policy and Program Development: Including Aboriginal perspectives and knowledge in health policies and programs ensures they are relevant and effective, identifying barriers and enablers within the system.
- Social Justice: Engaging Aboriginal people is a step towards rectifying past and ongoing injustices and ensuring equal health opportunities. In the post-referendum era, we aim for a future where Aboriginal voices and knowledge are heard and respected.
Our Approach
Our approach focuses on meaningful Aboriginal engagement and partnership in our consumer leadership and advocacy efforts.
We offer workshops to improve cultural competence and respect in health and social services, helping participants better understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, and health perspectives to foster inclusiveness and partnership.
Community Consultations
We create culturally safe spaces during our community consultations to listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about their health needs, experiences, and priorities.
Advisory Committee
Our Aboriginal Health Advisory Committee guides our policies and programs, helping shape our strategic direction.
Funding for Aboriginal Voices
We raise funds through initiatives and workshops to support Aboriginal health consumer projects, training scholarships, participation payments, and our Aboriginal Health Advisory Committee. By investing in the continuous learning of Aboriginal consumer representatives, we’re ensuring their crucial voices are heard in healthcare decisions.
Partnering with Aboriginal Organisations
We actively partner with and amplify the work of Aboriginal organisations. A key partnership with the Aboriginal Health Council of WA and the National Justice Project led to training for Aboriginal Patient Advocacy, enhancing community skills and expanding health advocacy for Aboriginal people.
Individual Health Advocacy
We offer free health advocacy services to anyone in WA, with a focus on prioritising Aboriginal consumers.
