“The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice Board of Australia have agreed to set the registration standard at a Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice, or equivalent as determined by the Board.
If you have any comments or suggestions on the proposed structure below, please complete the AISC feedback form by COB Friday 8 July 2016″
The Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) is reviewing Industry Reference Committees (IRCs) to ensure the structure and membership of each IRC provides the best possible industry coverage and expertise to support training package development.
Picture above : Implementation of training for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers in Perth with the first state professional development equipment training (PD Training) being hosted by local NACCHO member, Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker IRC is responsible for relevant components of the HLT – Health Training Package
This training package contains qualifications and units of competency developed specifically to support the delivery of accessible, holistic and culturally safe health care services that respond to health needs of diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations around the nation, including:
- Certificate II and III in Aboriginal and-or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care which equips graduates to provide health care services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients, usually as part of a team, with ongoing supervision and guidance.
- Certificate IV and Diploma in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice which equips graduates to provide a range of primary health care services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients, including specific health care programs, advice and assistance with medication. At higher levels, graduates work autonomously and may apply their skills and knowledge in primary health care practice in clinical, management or education functions.
- Certificate IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care which equips graduates to provide a range of primary health care services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients, including specific health care programs. At higher levels, graduates integrate knowledge of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care into broader aspects of management and community development, contributing to policy-making and decision-making across the spectrum of service delivery.
A few examples of why industry input is important to getting training products right:
- The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice Board of Australia have agreed to set the registration standard at a Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice, or equivalent as determined by the Board. The Board has also flagged that further work will be done to determine whether other qualifications should be included under the definition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioner.
- In NSW Health, the definition of an Aboriginal Health Worker includes a requirement to be undertaking or willing to undertake a minimum Certificate III Aboriginal Primary Health Care (including undergoing recognition of prior learning processes against current qualifications).
Membership of the IRC should provide the expertise and influence required to develop and maintain relevant components of the Health Training Package; as well as provide advice on emerging trends and skills requirements now and into the future. Consideration will be given to reflecting urban, rural/regional and remote health service perspectives and ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait perspectives are represented.
Industry stakeholders should note that membership of the IRC is not the only avenue for raising their views. The IRC will be responsible for ensuring, with the support of the Skills Service Organisation that supports them (SkillsIQ) that the appropriate industry stakeholders have been provided with opportunities to input to training product development and support the outcomes of the AISC’s deliberations. Specific expertise/ advice outside the reach of the IRC could also be sought on an as needs basis. Accordingly, it is proposed that the IRC take the following form:
| Organisation Type | No. of Reps | Organisation (Specify nature where possible/appropriate) | Comments/rationale |
| Employer/
Enterprise |
3 | State/Territory Health Department/Service |
|
| 2 | Non-government Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled health services | ||
| Peak/Advisory/
Association |
1 | Employer/Health Services Peak – National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) |
|
| 1 | Peak Association for Workers and Practitioners – National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker Association (NATSIHWA) |
|
|
| RTO | 1 | Community/non-government RTO delivering the qualifications listed above |
|
| Union | 1 | National Union |
|
| Government | 1 | Australian Government Department of Health – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workforce Section |
|
| Total Members | 10 | ||
If you have any comments or suggestions on the proposed structure below, please complete the AISC feedback form by COB Friday 8 July 2016.
If you are interested in nominating for membership of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker IRC please keep an eye on this webpage. A call for nominations will be made after the proposed structure consultation period has closed.