Image artwork by Kristie Peters
As the new Chair of First Nations Faculty at the Australian College of Nursing (ACN), I am passionate that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health is everybody’s business. This aligns with the Commonwealth Government Closing the Gap.
As the Faculty Chair, it is important to have some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander protocols put into place, including having representation from men and women in the leadership team. Enrolled Nurse Joel Guff, MACN, is the Deputy Chair, and we are working to have a leadership team of seven with diverse skill sets, to ensure that we include voices from multiple professional groups. If you are interested in joining the team, please reach out.
We view our future as having a collaboration across all faculties of the College and having input from all sectors after all, every sector of health, education and policy is working to overcome the inequality experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and achieve life outcomes equal to all Australians.
Understanding the role of healthcare professionals in promoting equality
The health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia is a matter of national importance. For too long, disparities have existed in health outcomes, access to care, and overall wellbeing between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations. As a nurse working in Australia, I am acutely aware of the necessity to address these inequities and foster a healthcare environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health truly is everyone’s business.
Historical context and current challenges
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians have endured a long history of marginalisation and discrimination, which has profoundly impacted their health. Colonisation brought about significant disruption to traditional ways of life, resulting in a loss of land, culture, and autonomy. Forced assimilation policies and the Stolen Generations left deep scars that continue to affect the psychological and physical health of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities.
Today, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face higher rates of chronic diseases, mental health issues, and substance abuse compared to their non-Aboriginal counterparts. Life expectancy is significantly lower, and infant mortality rates are higher. Access to healthcare services remains a significant barrier, often due to geographic and demographic isolation, cultural misunderstandings, and socioeconomic disadvantages. In contemporary practice today, our people can share so many personal stories of loss and we recognise that the suicide rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is approximately three times greater than for other Australians.
The role of nurses in Aboriginal health
As frontline healthcare professionals, nurses play a pivotal role in addressing these disparities. We are uniquely positioned to advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, ensuring they receive the care and support they need. Our role extends beyond clinical responsibilities; it involves building trust, showing respect for cultural practices, and engaging with communities in a meaningful way. Always a first line of communication is with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers in the facilities where we work – reach out, listen and learn. Note: A lot of people working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers roles in Australia have health qualifications including as Registered Nurses and Clinical Nurse Consultants and Nurse Practitioners. Never underestimate the workforce.
Advocacy and education
Nurses must advocate for health policies that recognise the unique needs of Aboriginal populations. This includes pushing for increased funding for Indigenous health programs, supporting the training and employment of Aboriginal healthcare workers, and promoting culturally safe practices within healthcare settings.
Education is also critical. By continuously learning about Aboriginal cultures, histories, and health determinants, nurses can provide more empathetic and effective care. This knowledge helps to dismantle stereotypes and prejudices, fostering a more inclusive healthcare environment.
Building trust and cultural competence
Trust is fundamental in the nurse-patient relationship, and it is particularly crucial when working with Aboriginal patients who may have experienced systemic racism and neglect. Nurses must demonstrate genuine respect and understanding of Aboriginal cultures and traditions. This includes recognising the importance of family and community in the healing process and accommodating traditional health practices alongside conventional treatments.
Cultural competence involves ongoing self-reflection and adaptation. Nurses should seek feedback from Aboriginal patients and communities, adjust their practices accordingly, and remain open to learning. By doing so, we can create a healthcare system that honours and integrates Aboriginal perspectives. A valuable resource in this space is D’Angelo, S, et a. (2025) which reports on key stakeholder views on requirements to decolonise Indigenous primary healthcare (PHC) policy.
Community engagement and collaboration
Effective health care for Aboriginal populations necessitates collaboration with Aboriginal communities. Nurses should engage with Aboriginal leaders, health workers, and organisations to develop tailored health interventions. Community involvement ensures that health initiatives are relevant, respectful, and more likely to be successful.
Participating in community events and health education programs can also strengthen relationships and promote trust. Nurses can contribute to workshops, health fairs, and cultural activities, demonstrating our commitment to improving Aboriginal health and well-being.
Conclusion: A collective responsibility
Aboriginal health is not solely the responsibility of Aboriginal communities; it is a collective responsibility that requires the dedication and effort of all Australians. Nurses, as integral members of the healthcare system, must lead by example, advocating for equality, demonstrating cultural competence, and engaging with Aboriginal communities in meaningful ways.
By recognising that Aboriginal health is everyone’s business, we can work together to create a healthier, more equitable Australia. Through advocacy, education, trust-building, and collaboration, nurses can make a significant impact on the health and well-being of Aboriginal people, ensuring that their right to quality health care is upheld.
This article was originally published in the Winter 2025 edition of ACN’s quarterly member publication The Hive. Members can access all past editions of The Hive on MyACN. Non-members can get a sneak peek by viewing our open-access articles.
With thanks to ACN’s First Nations Faculty
This article was developed by members of the ACN First Nations Leadership Team, who work within the specialty of Indigenous health to collectively come together to push forward Indigenous health agendas.
Chair: Mrs Jennifer Gordan MACN
Deputy Chair: Mr Joel Guff MACN
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Reference
D’Angelo, S, et a. (2025). Next steps in decolonising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health care policy in Australia: An analysis of key stakeholder views The International Indigenous Policy Journal, 15(3).https://10.18584/iipj.2025.15.3.18660
