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Aboriginal Workforce Policy

MP 0097/18 - Aboriginal Workforce Policy (pdf 191KB)

Applicable to: This policy is applicable to all Health Service Providers excluding the Quadriplegic Centre

Description: The purpose of the Aboriginal Workforce Policy (the policy) is to increase representation of Aboriginal people at all levels of the workforce to improve Aboriginal health outcomes and achieve the Aboriginal employment target of 3.2% by 2026. The policy specifies the mandatory policy requirements to attract, recruit and retain Aboriginal people in clinical, non-clinical and leadership roles.

Growing the Aboriginal workforce is essential for the WA health system to deliver culturally safe and responsive health services. Aboriginal employees bring a diverse range of knowledge and skills to the health sector including a cultural perspective, the ability to break down barriers and to provide culturally appropriate care for Aboriginal Western Australians.

Fostering a culturally safe and supportive workplace, free of racism, is fundamental to growing an Aboriginal workforce.

The WA Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Framework 2015-2030 (Framework) provides the guiding principles that underpin this policy. The Framework recognises that a strong, skilled and growing Aboriginal health workforce across all levels, including clinical, non-clinical and leadership roles, is a key enabler to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal people.

This policy is strongly aligned to the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workforce Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan 2021-2031 and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People: Action Plan to Improve WA Public Sector Employment Outcomes 2020-2025.

The policy also reflects the broader commitment of the WA health system to promote equity and diversity in its workforce and address Aboriginal people as a priority diversity group in accordance with the Workforce Diversification and Inclusion Strategy for WA Public Sector Employment 2020-2025.

This policy is a mandatory requirement under the Employment Policy Framework pursuant to section 26(2)(c), (d) and (f) of the Health Services Act 2016.

This policy must be read in conjunction with MP 0071/17 Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Policy and MP 0033/16 Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Policy.

Date of effect: 22 November 2018