The health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples has received a boost with the number of registered Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners reaching 1,000 across the country.
This landmark achievement, announced by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, is testament to the dedication and resilience of Indigenous health professionals who are driving positive change in health outcomes across Australia, including in rural, regional and remote areas.
‘We extend our heartfelt congratulations to these 1,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners and their training organisations for their achievement,’ said National Rural Health Alliance Chief Executive Susi Tegen.
‘Many of them have trained in and returned to rural, remote and regional areas, which reflects their commitment to serve their communities. These practitioners are not only enhancing the accessibility of healthcare services but are also providing culturally responsive care, which is essential for improving health outcomes among Indigenous Australians.
‘Consistent growth is also shown in the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical specialists over time, with self-identifying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander generalists and specialists rising by 34 per cent in 2023 since 2021.
‘The growth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and medical practitioners is a wonderful achievement for the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA), National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners (NAATSIWHP) and others who engage in training, supporting and mentoring student and trainee clinicians, said Ms Tegen.
‘By delivering care that is both culturally appropriate and sensitive to the unique needs of First Nations communities, these practitioners are breaking down barriers to health services – access and delivery, ensuring that all Australians, regardless of their location and background, have access to equitable and quality care,’ she said.
