Keeping our Workforce Strong
Tracks
Prince
Monarch
Jacaranda
Karrie Webb
| Friday, November 6, 2026 |
| 1:45 PM - 2:15 PM |
Overview
Karl Briscoe, Chief Executive Officer, National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health Workers and Practitioners
Presenter
Mr Karl Briscoe
Chief Executive Officer
National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health Workers and Practitioners
Keeping our Workforce Strong
Presentation Overview
Keeping the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce strong is essential to improving health and wellbeing outcomes and achieving equity in Australia’s healthcare system. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals play a unique and critical role, providing culturally safe care, strengthening trust with communities, and addressing health needs in a holistic, community-focused way. Their cultural knowledge and connection make them irreplaceable members of the healthcare system.
Despite their importance, significant challenges remain. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are still under-represented in the health workforce compared to non-Indigenous Australians, and workforce growth has not kept pace with population needs. Recruitment and retention are ongoing issues, particularly in rural and remote areas where workforce shortages are most severe. In addition, systemic barriers such as racism, lack of culturally safe workplaces, unclear career pathways, and limited support structures can discourage individuals from entering or remaining in the profession.
To keep the workforce strong, a range of strategies are needed. Creating culturally safe and supportive workplaces is critical, ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff feel respected and valued. Strengthening education pathways and increasing the number of students entering and completing health qualifications is also essential. Equally important is supporting career development through mentoring, leadership opportunities, and clear progression pathways.
Another key factor is self-determination, which means Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must be actively involved in designing and delivering health services and policies. This leads to more effective, culturally appropriate care and stronger workforce retention.
In conclusion, building and sustaining a strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce requires long-term commitment, systemic change, and genuine partnership. By addressing barriers and investing in growth and support, Australia can create a more equitable and effective healthcare system for all.
Despite their importance, significant challenges remain. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are still under-represented in the health workforce compared to non-Indigenous Australians, and workforce growth has not kept pace with population needs. Recruitment and retention are ongoing issues, particularly in rural and remote areas where workforce shortages are most severe. In addition, systemic barriers such as racism, lack of culturally safe workplaces, unclear career pathways, and limited support structures can discourage individuals from entering or remaining in the profession.
To keep the workforce strong, a range of strategies are needed. Creating culturally safe and supportive workplaces is critical, ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff feel respected and valued. Strengthening education pathways and increasing the number of students entering and completing health qualifications is also essential. Equally important is supporting career development through mentoring, leadership opportunities, and clear progression pathways.
Another key factor is self-determination, which means Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must be actively involved in designing and delivering health services and policies. This leads to more effective, culturally appropriate care and stronger workforce retention.
In conclusion, building and sustaining a strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce requires long-term commitment, systemic change, and genuine partnership. By addressing barriers and investing in growth and support, Australia can create a more equitable and effective healthcare system for all.
Biography
Karl Briscoe is a proud Kuku Yalanji man from Mossman – Daintree area of Far North Queensland and has worked for over 20 years in the health sector at various levels of government and non-government including local, state and national levels which has enabled him to form a vast strategic network across Australia.
Karl is the Chief Executive Officer of National Association for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners (NAATSIHWP) based in Canberra where he progresses and represents the invested interests of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners.
Karl’s vision for his people is to see dramatic improvement in the premature mortality rates of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, not only in communities but the entire nation, ensuring the life expectancy rates of our people are equivalent or better than that of non-Indigenous Australians.
