The Specialist Trainee Support Program (STSP) in the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) is receiving $4 million funding over four years, according the 2024-25 Federal budget announcement. Increased investment in Indigenous health care is crucial for Closing the Gap and improving the overall well-being of Indigenous communities.
This funding will enable AIDA to continue working towards our purpose and vision in achieving equitable health outcomes for First Nations Peoples.
AIDA’s Chief Executive Officer, Donna Burns stated this funding will help bolster the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical workforce, in particular to support and encourage the next generation of First Nations specialists, who will create a more culturally safe health system for First Nations people.
“It’s powerful to have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical specialists provide specialised care and best practice in patient-centered care for both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the wider community. This is the change we need to see to ensure a better health system everyone will benefit from,” Ms Burns said.
“We are now seeing more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors than ever before thanks to more visible pathways and better support systems. It is vital we continue our work to achieve our goal of creating population parity in healthcare so we can work to Close the Gap.”
Since AIDA’s inception more than 27 years ago, the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors has grown to 850 meaning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical practitioners make up 0.6% of all registered medical practitioners in Australia.
We have the highest number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors in training, currently 472, however more are needed to create population parity.
ENDS
The Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) is the peak body representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students and doctors in Australia. Our purpose is to grow ethical and professional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors who will lead and drive equitable and just health outcomes for our people.