The NSW Aboriginal Health Plan 2024-2034 marks a significant step towards reforming health systems that facilitate culturally safe, holistic and high-quality care for all Aboriginal people in NSW.
Strong partnerships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) enable the knowledge and expertise of Aboriginal communities to guide health system planning. As the peak body for Aboriginal health in NSW, we believe that transformative change is needed and will only occur if Aboriginal voices are at the forefront of decision-making.
The Closing the Gap Priority Reforms have been embedded throughout the plan which commits governments to transforming the way that they do business. Pivotal to this progress, is a sustained effort to eliminate racism. Aboriginal people continue to face interpersonal and institutional racism across the health system, with limited mechanisms to escalate or address these issues when they occur. The plan marks an important milestone towards creating a health system that is culturally safe and responsive. Alongside this work, we must remember that the elimination of all forms of racism remains the collective responsibility that involves us all.
We are hopeful that the plan will guide the system to implement changes that increase access to services and facilitate a health system that is responsive to the needs of Aboriginal people.
The AH&MRC believe the plan represents an advance in government approaches to Aboriginal health. The vision to share power in systems reform is a significant step in recognising that meaningful change requires a shift towards true collaboration and co-creation in government policies and approaches. We look forward to working in genuine partnership with NSW Health to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people across the state.
Nicole Turner Interim Chief Executive Officer, AH&MRC