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.

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 Good Health – Great Jobs: Aboriginal Workforce Strategic Framework 2016-2020.

Aboriginal Health Worker and Aboriginal Health Practitioner Forum 2024

This initiative started in 2000 to support people employed as Aboriginal Health Workers and Aboriginal Health Practitioners (as outlined in Information Bulletin 2018/018) to collaborate and share information on career pathways, professional development opportunities and workforce initiatives across NSW.

The 2024 event will be held virtually on Wednesday, 31 July 2024.

Aboriginal Health Practitioner Clinical Framework Report

In 2018-19 NSW Health engaged PMP Health to undertake consultations into the Aboriginal Health Practitioner Clinical Framework and investigate challenges and opportunities to progress implementation of this small but critical workforce. The Aboriginal Health Practitioner Clinical Framework Report of December 2019 is a record of the outcomes of this activity.

Overview Report: 2016/17 Aboriginal Health Worker Guidelines Workshops

The Aboriginal Health Worker Guidelines workshops across NSW Health local health districts and specialty hospital networks have been finalised. An overview report of the workshops has been developed by Francis Health in consultation with the Aboriginal Workforce Unit, NSW Ministry of Health.

Review: Aboriginal Health Worker Guidelines for NSW Health

The Guidelines are now under review by the Aboriginal Workforce Unit and will be sent out for discussion as soon as they are completed. An advisory group has been implemented for the review with Aboriginal staff from across NSW Health organisations.

Aboriginal Health Workforce Survey Report 2012

The purpose of the survey report was to gather information regarding Aboriginal employment across NSW Health. This information was used to identify Aboriginal workforce issues and develop initiatives to support Aboriginal people working in NSW Health.

The aim of the 2012 survey was to:

  • identify the current number of Aboriginal employees in NSW Health and their roles
  • identify Aboriginal workforce skill and career development needs and make recommendations
  • use the information to contribute to the development of strategies to meet government Aboriginal employment benchmarks.

Remuneration and conditions

The Aboriginal Health Workers' (State) Award was first introduced in 2015 and replaced the Aboriginal Health Education Officers' Determination (AHEO Determination).

The Aboriginal Health Workers' (State) Award covers the Identified Aboriginal workforce roles of: Aboriginal Health Workers, Aboriginal Health Practitioners, Senior Aboriginal Health Workers and to an extent Principal Aboriginal Health Workers.

Current as at: Friday 12 January 2024
Contact page owner: Aboriginal Workforce