The Regional Health Ministerial Advisory Panel commenced in October 2023 to strengthen community engagement and foster genuine co-design principles in the development of healthcare in regional NSW. The purpose of the panel is to advise the Minister for Regional Health, the Minister for Health and the Secretary, NSW Health on opportunities and solutions to improve healthcare and hospital and health support services in regional NSW.
In 2024 the panel has 15 members, including 5 ex-officio members, and is chaired by Dr Richard Colbran, CEO of the Rural Doctors Network. The panel includes 3 Aboriginal panel members who work in NSW Health and ACCHOs, including two board members of the AH&MRC. These members have a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise including in the provision of medical and clinical services in regional communities, community engagement, health funding and financing and Aboriginal health.
Embedding multiple Aboriginal voices on the Panel ensures that Aboriginal people are included in the advice of the panel which includes the development of policy, care delivery models, and innovative business models and practices in regional NSW. This has ensured that Aboriginal people are included in decisions that are made in a mainstream reform that has significant impact on Aboriginal people. The panel has had multiple focused discussions on the strengths and partnerships within Aboriginal health services in regional NSW and the challenges for Aboriginal health in regional NSW that need to be addressed.
NSW Health system management Principle 1
