Department of Health

Aboriginal employment

By building our Aboriginal workforce we ensure services are culturally safe and responsive.

Our goal is to provide a dynamic and diverse workforce that delivers inclusive policy development and service delivery to our communities.

Cultural safety for Aboriginal communities and employees is critical for our success.

We are delighted to introduce the Aboriginal Workforce Strategy 2021–2026, which sets out our goal to become the employer of choice for Aboriginal people.

To become an employer of choice for Aboriginal people we will create an outstanding culturally safe employee experience, where individuals are valued for their cultural knowledge and lived experience.

This will be achieved through effective recruitment processes, culturally safe and supportive workplace cultures, opportunities for professional development and demonstrated respect for the skills, expertise, and perspectives of Aboriginal employees

The Aboriginal Workforce Strategy 2021–2026 commits us to increase Aboriginal employee numbers to 3 per cent of the total workforce and to improve career pathways so more of our Aboriginal workforce is empowered to take on senior leadership roles now and into the future.

Aboriginal healthcare workers and students interested in seeking training opportunities within the healthcare setting should visit Aboriginal healthcare workers for further information.

Entry-level opportunities

Department of Health offers entry-level programs and pathway opportunities to help people start a career with the department.

This includes programs such as CareerTrackersExternal Link , which offers 12-week internships to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students, and the Aboriginal Graduate Program.

The Department of Health Aboriginal Graduate Program is offered to undergraduate and postgraduate students that have recently completed their studies. This 12-month intensive program enables graduates to obtain practical skills, knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of the work undertaken in the department.

The Barring DjinangExternal Link is an initiative of Victoria's public sector Aboriginal Employment Strategy. The initiative supports and improves career experiences for Aboriginal employees, focusing strongly on career development.

Network opportunities

The department provides an Aboriginal Staff Support Network to support all Aboriginal employees.

The Wirrigirri Program provides personal and professional development and the opportunity to effect positive change to promote Aboriginal inclusion, cultural safety and zero discrimination in and beyond the workplace. Wirrigirri across the department advance Aboriginal health, safety, wellbeing and self-determination.

Register your interest

Please register your interest with aboriginal.workforce@health.vic.gov.au for a future career within Health.

Reviewed 17 October 2023

Health.vic

Contact us

Aboriginal Workforce Team

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