Recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners

Today is the Inaugural Day of Recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioner Workforce.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers (ATSIHWs) are a professional cadre of Australian health workers; the role is an ‘identified role’, which can only be occupied by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers typically work in primary care, within integrated teams of health professionals. The role has three core functions: health promotion, clinical service and cultural brokerage. Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Health Workers advocate for a culturally safe and responsive health services.

It has been shown that care provided by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals improves health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Stephanie Topp et al.(2021) suggest that ‘notwithstanding the unique nature of the ATSIHW role within Australia’s state-based health workforces, lack of understanding of the distinctive skills, scope and value associated with its function remains pervasive.’

This lack of recognition for the ATSIHW role is countered through the Day of Recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioner Workforce. This date has been selected as the National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners (NAATSIHWP) was incorporated on 7 August 2009.

On this day we encourage all Australians to celebrate the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners to their own local communities and across Australia.