NSW Health Professional Councils and HPCA launch Aboriginal Cultural Safety Strategy

07/06/2023
Key points
  • The NSW Health Professional Councils and Health Professional Councils Authority have launched their joint Aboriginal Cultural Safety Strategy 2023 – 2024.
  • The Strategy aims to improve the experiences of Aboriginal people who interact with the NSW healthcare and regulatory system.
  • The launch featured several guest speakers including NSW Health Deputy Secretary, Health System Strategy and Patient Experience, Deborah Willcox AM.

Cultural safety in focus at Councils and HPCA launch

Today, the NSW Health Professional Councils (the Councils) and Health Professional Councils Authority (HPCA) celebrated the release of their joint Aboriginal Cultural Safety Strategy 2023 – 2024 (the Strategy). Through the Strategy, the Councils and HPCA aim to improve the experiences of Aboriginal people who interact with the NSW healthcare and regulatory system.

The launch was hosted by Adjunct Associate Professor Alan Morrison ASM, President of the Paramedicine Council of NSW and co-Chair of the Councils and HPCA Aboriginal Cultural Safety Working Group. Proceedings opened with a Welcome to Country ceremony on Gadigal land conducted on behalf of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council.

Guest speaker Ms Deb Willcox AM, NSW Health Deputy Secretary, Health System Strategy and Patient Experience, highlighted NSW Health’s commitment to eliminating racism from the health system and closing the gap in health outcomes for Aboriginal people. Ms Willcox said that, through this Strategy, the Councils and HPCA were taking important steps to further support improved experiences for Aboriginal people within the health system.

“NSW Health is committed to building a culturally safe and responsive health system, where Aboriginal people have the same health outcomes as non-Aboriginal people. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with the Councils and HPCA to bring this Strategy into action,” she said.

Why the Strategy was developed

The Strategy was introduced by Mr Liam Harte, proud Dunghutti man, experienced paramedic, and co-Chair of the Working Group, as well as Mr Peter Lang, proud Wiradjuri man, member of the Working Group and Deputy President of the Paramedicine Council of NSW.

The Strategy aligns with existing state and national initiatives to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal people.

The Councils, HPCA and regulatory system exist for the benefit and protection of the NSW community. The Councils and HPCA acknowledge that Aboriginal people have, and continue to, suffer disproportionate levels of disadvantage, including in health outcomes.

“The Councils and HPCA have a unique role to play in supporting improved experiences for Aboriginal patients, practitioners, and communities,” said Mr Lang.

The Strategy aims to strengthen cultural safety within the NSW regulatory system through increased participation of Aboriginal people and collaboration with stakeholders.

The Strategy was developed by the Councils and HPCA Aboriginal Cultural Safety Working Group, comprising 50% Aboriginal membership. Their generously share expertise, lived experience and knowledge informed the Strategy.

Where to find the Strategy

The Councils and HPCA Aboriginal Cultural Safety Strategy 2023 – 24 can be downloaded here.

The Strategy artwork and document was produced by Lani Balzan, a Wiradjuri artist and graphic designer. The artwork conveys a shared journey, emphasising the importance of communication. It also depicts the resilience, vitality, and enduring spirit of Aboriginal people and their Country, and signifies a respectful partnership built on the foundations of active listening, continuous learning, mutual respect, and inclusivity.

Download the Strategy to read more about Lani and the artwork.

Contact the HPCA