The Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council has met with Health Minister Tim Nicholls and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson to advocate for practical local solutions to address health disparities for First Nations Queenslanders.

QAIHC chairperson Matthew Cooke and acting deputy chief executive David Harmer represented the Council.

Mr Cooke emphasised QAIHC's role as an apolitical advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled health organisations (ACCHOs) and their communities.

"This meeting was pivotal in our advocacy for reforms that will bring meaningful, lasting improvements to the health and wellbeing of Queensland's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples," Mr Cooke said.

The discussions focused on the need for targeted investments to address challenges faced by these communities.

Mr Cooke highlighted opportunities tied to the National Health Reform Agreement (NHRA) negotiations and committed to collaborating with the government to implement local reforms.

QAIHC proposed several key initiatives.

These included the development of a statewide master plan to improve healthcare capacity and sustainability in rural, regional, and remote areas.

They also recommended the use of patient journey analytics to inform planning, track progress for key patient groups, and secure equitable funding under the NHRA.

Another proposal was the establishment of integrated care coordination hubs to connect acute and primary care for patients with complex needs.

The council also advocated for the expansion of specialist residential services for alcohol and other drug treatments, based on the successful Gindaja program in Yarrabah.

Lastly, they called for increased investment in the "Growing Deadly Families" programs to enhance maternity care for First Nations families across Queensland.

QAIHC also presented documents outlining the ACCHO sector's role in addressing health inequalities and urged stronger alignment with the four Priority Reform areas of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

"Queensland's Closing the Gap governance structures must align with the priorities identified by the sector and communities," Mr Cooke said.

"QAIHC's Members, as trusted local authorities, are best placed to define these priorities and solutions."

The meeting reaffirmed QAIHC's commitment to working collaboratively with the government to improve outcomes for First Nations Queenslanders.