Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan
Development of our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) commenced in 2019 with the first RAP approved by Reconciliation Australia in December 2021.
Our Innovate RAP is a commitment that WQPHN will do things differently and take practical steps within our organisation to improve our knowledge and understanding of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within our region.
The RAP Working Group (RWG) membership includes representatives from across the PHNs internal working units; the Board and the Clinical and Consumer Advisory Councils; and the Nukal Murra Alliance (NMA). The Nukal Murra Alliance continues to support the RWG through the Alliance members representation. The Nukal Murra Alliance members are also acknowledged within the WQPHN as the Cultural Authority body providing leadership and engagement support throughout the Western Queensland region.
Over the Financial Year, the RWG met to progress activities to complete the Innovate RAP, due for submission to Reconciliation Australia in September 2023. To track our progress against the activities we had committed to, a score card report was also developed to update staff and the Board on its progress each quarter.
Key achievements:
- Implemented an increase in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment within WQPHN.
- Staff promotion and participation in NAIDOC week events.
- Incorporate new clauses in the Service Provider Header Agreement to ensure culturally appropriate services are delivered to our communities and to encourage service providers to attend NAIDOC week activities.
- Develop a protocol guide for visiting and engaging with Traditional Owners and Groups.
- Develop a procurement policy for First Nations services.
- Invite a local Traditional Owner or Custodian to provide a Welcome to Country or other appropriate cultural protocol at significant events each year.
- Maintain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander membership on the WQPHN Clinical Council, Clinical Chapters and Consumer Advisory Council and the Western Queensland Health Service Integration Committee (WQHSIC).
- Maintain Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander representation on the RAP Working Group.
- Appoint and maintain an internal RAP Champion from senior management.
Status of Innovate RAP activities 2022/23
