About

Commonwealth support for Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) is at risk, with the actions of government not aligning with their public commitments including their jobs and economic development agenda, and the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, jeopardising 15 years of success and investment. From a small community of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders in allied health, IAHA has grown significantly. The organisation now employs 195 staff and trainees nationally, over 90 per cent of whom are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, while promoting over 2100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members nationally to succeed in careers in across health, disability, aged care, mental health, social services and related sectors. Our members contribute to the health and wellbeing of all Australians across the life course, delivering essential services and support across primary, tertiary and acute care, in early childhood and education settings, providing rehabilitation and therapy, leading public health, and supporting social and emotional wellbeing, in communities around Australia. 

IAHA leverage a small amount of Commonwealth funding to achieve significant outcomes, in partnership with members, communities, universities, RTOs, employers and others. For example, over 85 per cent of the young people graduating from our school-based traineeship program, over 170 so far, are within further education, training and employment six months post completion. 90 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students who join IAHA while studying go onto complete degrees, and our graduate members operate as business owners, essential workers and executive leaders, in a range of settings. In addition to the positive social outcomes, the work of IAHA generates economic returns.  IAHA pays over $11 million in wages, supports, and scholarships each year, in addition to procurement through Aboriginal businesses, strengthening the economy. Meanwhile our programs and services support education, training and employment outcomes, empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities.

The current funding agreement IAHA has with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is set to expire on 30 June 2026. Without an immediate promise to renew the agreement – with an increased and sustainable, longer-term commitment - the scale, impact and momentum of IAHA is placed at significant risk. Stagnation in the level of support, or the withdrawal of Commonwealth investment altogether, puts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander jobs, training pathways, and evidenced-based workforce solutions at danger. IAHA is already unable to grow services and programs, including being forced to turn young people away due to limitations on infrastructure and staffing resources in the ACT and NT, while we’re unable to support new cohorts in New South Wales due to funding uncertainty.

Call to action

This petition calls for an immediate Commonwealth government funding commitment to IAHA, as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled workforce organisation leading progress in governments priorities, strategies and commitments, and reform to ensure that future funding is secure and sustainable through a rolling, long-term commitment.

In addition to adding your name to the position, if you’d like to lend your voice in support of the self-determination of IAHA please visit IAHA’s Boast page to upload a short reflection about how IAHA has supported you, or the impacts that losing IAHA would have. You can also contact Minister Butler Minister for Health and Ageing, Minister for Disability and the NDIS, or Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health Rebecca White via the Departments website.