Aboriginal Health Worker workforce

Definition of an Aboriginal Health Worker

The Definition of an Aboriginal Health Worker (2018_018) was updated after significant consultation, in line with recent national and state activity regarding training, qualifications and professional activities.

There are four types of Aboriginal Health Worker categories:

• Aboriginal Health Workers (AHW) provide non-clinical services such as advocacy, support, liaison, and health promotion in community and hospital​ settings.
• Aboriginal Health Practitioners (AHP) provide direct clinical services to local Aboriginal communities. AHPs hold a Certificate IV in Aboriginal Primary Health Care Practice and are registered with ATSIHPBA supported by AHPRA. AHPs have a different pay scale to Aboriginal Health Workers.
• Principal Aboriginal Health Workers develop, implement and review Aboriginal primary health care strategy and policies. They may also be responsible for the supervision and training of Aboriginal Health Workers.
• Senior Aboriginal Health Workers are cultural navigators with extensive experience working in NSW Health. They manage resources for the delivery of individual health services or health programs and may be responsible for the supervision and training of Aboriginal Health Workers.

Aboriginal Health Practitioners

To celebrate the National Day of Recognition for Aboriginal Health Workers and Aboriginal Health Practitioners on 7 August 2024, NSW Health has released a video highlighting the work the profession does in connecting Aboriginal people to culturally safe clinical care.

The Aboriginal Health Worker Project

The NSW Health Aboriginal Health Worker Guidelines and the Decision Making Framework for Aboriginal Health Practitioners are aimed at strengthening the roles and supporting the career development of Aboriginal health workers in NSW Health.

These resources support the ongoing professional development and career pathway development of Aboriginal health workers in line with the NSW Health Aboriginal Workforce Composition Policy (PD2023_046).

Health Deadly Feet

Diabetes is a chronic condition characterised by high blood glucose levels. It is associated with a range of complications including Diabetes-related foot disease. Diabetes and diabetes-related foot disease are disproportionately prevalent in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population.

NSW Ministry of Health, along with several partners, codesigned the Healthy Deadly Feet (HDF) Project which aims to increase the Aboriginal workforce in foot care and podiatry in NSW Health and improve diabetes-related foot disease outcomes for Aboriginal people in NSW.

For more information, visit Healthy Deadly Feet​