Principal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program Officer

Ongoing role | Location: Brisbane | Lead and shape cultural safety initiatives across the National Scheme

ABOUT US

The People Initiative is a recruitment agency that combines purpose with professionalism. Every placement we make directly contributes to a positive impact within the not-for-profit community.

We are proud to be partnering with Ahpra, Australia's national health practitioner regulator, to recruit a Principal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program Officer. This role sits within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Strategy Unit (HSU) and plays a vital part in embedding cultural safety and anti-racism across the health system.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present.

THE ROLE

This is a senior leadership role responsible for providing direction, guidance, and cultural safety policy advice aligned with the National Scheme's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Cultural Safety Strategy 2020–2025.

You'll lead a small team of four, delivering high-impact projects including cultural safety accreditation, professional development initiatives, communications, and culturally safe notifications. Working closely with Ahpra's leaders, the Health Strategy Unit, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, you will help drive the Strategy's deliverables and shape safer healthcare outcomes nationwide.

• Provide high-level leadership, advice, and reporting to support delivery of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Cultural Safety Strategy.
• Lead and mentor the HSU team, ensuring programs and projects are delivered to a high standard and on time.
• Build and maintain strong, respectful, and culturally appropriate relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, leaders, and organisations.
• Develop board papers, policy briefs, consultation papers, and reports to inform decision-making.
• Advocate for and champion cultural safety initiatives within Ahpra and across the National Scheme.
• Ensure robust governance, reporting, and communication across all projects and initiatives.

ABOUT YOU

• You are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person with lived and living cultural experience, grounded in ways of knowing, being, doing, and working.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teams, programs, or projects.
• Strong knowledge and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and cultural safety.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus across complex stakeholder groups.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities, deliver on strategic outcomes, and provide high-quality policy advice.
• Qualifications in health, public policy, or a related field (or equivalent experience). Experience in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector would be highly regarded.

WHY THIS ROLE IS SPECIAL

This role is about more than program delivery it is about creating systemic change. By leading the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Strategy Unit's initiatives, you will directly shape the future of cultural safety in healthcare regulation. This is a chance to use lived experience and leadership to make a lasting impact for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.

To Apply: Please apply through Seek.

For any questions or a confidential conversation, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team on

We look forward to hearing from you