Plan for more Indigenous nurses

The Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) in conjunction with Reconciliation Australia proudly announces the launch of the ANF Reconciliation Action Plan.

As part of the 8th Biennial National Conference, and in conjunction with Reconciliation Australia, the Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) will launch their Reconciliation Action Plan in what Jill Iliffe, Federal Secretary of the ANF said is a commitment by the federation to Indigenous self determination and health equality.

“This development of the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) demonstrates the ANF’s recognition that achieving reconciliation and Indigenous health equality requires a commitment from all Australians. Change will only come when we all accept responsibility for taking action,” Ms Iliffe said.

“The ANF hopes this plan will demonstrate leadership and foster understanding within nursing and midwifery, the health sector, and the wider community about the importance of working with Indigenous communities.”

The ANF say they are excited to be the first union and one of the first health care stakeholders to develop such a plan, which includes strategies to develop a greater understanding of Indigenous culture within the ANF, increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in nursing, and promote Indigenous self determination and healthy communities.

Reconciliation Australia’s RAP program provides the framework and the tools for organisations across Australia to join forces and become part of closing the life expectancy gap.

Ms Iliffe said, “This Reconciliation Action Plan is acts on our strategic plan to influence nursing, health, and social justice policy. It’s development represents an important strategic objective for the ANF and for the health of Indigenous Australians.”
Barbara Livesey, chief executive of Reconciliation Australia said the ANF’s RAP demonstrated all the main ingredients of reconciliation: relationships, respect and providing opportunities for Indigenous Australians.

“Importantly, the RAP will see the ANF working with Indigenous experts in the health sector and developing its own advisory group. A big part of the RAP program is encouraging organisations to draw on the considerable expertise of Indigenous people that’s available now in all sectors.

“The RAP also commits the ANF to provide cultural awareness training to all federal office staff – building this kind of understanding and respect is another aspect of the RAP program that has huge potential to change Australia for the better.”
Reconciliation Australia’s Andrea Mason will be attending the launch as will Sally Goold, OAM, Chair of the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses.