More than 300 people have enrolled in a First Nations Health Worker Traineeship Program, the federal government announced on Friday during a Joint Council on Closing the Gap meeting on Kaurna Country.
The announcement comes on top of the previously reported $100 million investment to support 33 Indigenous health infrastructure projects across the country.
The enrolments in the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation's (NACCHO) First Nations Health Worker Traineeship Program (FNHWTP) marks a significant step for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) across the country.
Speaking at the meeting, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, said they were "incredibly pleased" to see the enrolment numbers in a short period of time.
"This program is going to be a major boost for the healthcare system for years to come," Senator McCarthy said.
"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."
Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services provide crucial health care & are often the only health service available for some communities.
Great to announce an $100m investment into 33 Indigenous health infrastructure projects today with @Malarndirri19 & @coalition_peaks pic.twitter.com/hItrNYKWXf
— Linda Burney MP (@LindaBurneyMP) July 5, 2024
The program was launched in March by NACCHO, and aims to certify up to 500 Indigenous people as either Aboriginal Health Workers or Aboriginal Health Practitioners by 2027.
NACCHO chief executive Pat Turner said they were witnessing "remarkable progress" in only four months since the program was launched, which contributed to "health sovereignty" amongst Indigenous 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," Ms Turner said.
"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."
Delivered by Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Registered Training Organisations, and involving on-the-job experience, 51 trainees have already completed the program, which has been designed by Indigenous organisations in partnership with the government, who have contributed $54.3 million.
Trainees undertake a Certificate III or IV qualification in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care training package.
Examples of self-determination in healthcare includes the Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service (KAMS), which helps deliver Indigenous health practitioners under the FNHWTP.
KAMS provides wrap-around support for students, with the extra funding from the program resulting in significantly boosted completion rates, with the end goal being a building a strong and sustainable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce.
"In creating more opportunities, we are working towards Closing the Gap," Senator McCarthy said.
"I encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to consider the program and a career in healthcare."
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, said the new generation of healthcare 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," Minister Burney said.
The program was launched in the wake of a scathing productivity commission report earlier this year, which found progress to implement the National Agreement Closing the Gap (National Agreement) reforms were "weak".
ACCHOs have long called on the government to embrace self-determination in healthcare, with Coalition of Peaks' acting Lead Convenor Catherine Liddle arguing in February: "When Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are given ownership over the decisions that affect their lives, the resources they need, and the opportunity to partner with government, we see better outcomes."
