Indigenous Health

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit acknowledges and pays respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and to the Traditional Owners/Custodians and Elders both past and present, on whose lands we provide health services to all Queenslanders.

The role of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Branch in Queensland Health is to:

• Improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders by providing leadership, high-level advice and direction on effective and appropriate policies and services in mainstream and in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific program areas across Government.
• Strategically influence and engage in key decision making and priority setting across Queensland Health to ensure a consistent approach and accountability through:
  • the Making Tracks toward closing the gap in health outcomes for Indigenous Queenslanders by 2033 statewide policy and accountability framework and its triennial implementation plans
  • the Making Tracks Investment Strategy 2018-2021. This is the fourth triennial plan developed under the Making Tracks towards closing the gap in health outcomes for Indigenous Queenslanders by 2033: Policy and Accountability Framework since its launch in 2010.
  • the National Indigenous Reform Agreement (Closing the Gap)
  • influencing, adding value, supporting and advocating Queensland Health's endeavour in the provision of quality effective and appropriate service and programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.
• Work with all stakeholders to develop effective monitoring, evaluation and reporting processes in relation to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.
• Lead the implementation of the Queensland Health Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Capability Framework 2010 - 2033.  The framework sets the foundation for the way Queensland Health develops and provides services for and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.
• Support the implementation of the Statement of Action towards Closing the Gap in Health Outcomes across all areas of Queensland Health. The Statement of Action seeks to renew efforts to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Queensland by:
  • Promoting opportunities to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation in Queensland Health’s leadership, governance and workforce;
  • Improving local engagement and partnerships between Queensland Health and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and organisations; and
  • Improving transparency, reporting and accountability in Closing the Gap progress.