The Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) has released its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), joining over 1,100 Government, not-for-profit and corporate organisations committed to Reconciliation Australia’s RAP Program.
Chief Executive of ADHA, Amanda Cattermole said the Agency’s Plan included an emphasis on understanding and progressing digital health priorities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia.
“A RAP is about organisations, from every sector, rising to the challenge of reconciling Australia,” Ms Catermole said.
“A RAP provides a framework for organisations to develop practical plans of action built on relationships, respect and opportunities, to create social change and economic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians,” she said.
“In this RAP we have set a clear vision and practical actions to ensure the Agency becomes a workplace of choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”
Ms Catermole said the ADHA was committed to achieving the goals set in its RAP.
“This will see us improve our cultural awareness, increase our recruitment, retention and engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent, acquire a deeper appreciation of customs and celebrate significant events together, and become a stronger, more inclusive organisation as a result,” she said.
“The Agency strives to proactively build and maintain internal and external relationships to ensure we are an employer of choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”
She said ADHA also sought to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes via digital health initiatives and to mitigate against creating disadvantage through a digital divide.
“Technology can contribute to closing the gap by improving health care accessibility, quality and safety no matter where people live,” Ms Catermole said.
“We can make health care more equitable and efficient using digital tools and technology like My Health Record, telehealth and electronic prescriptions.”
Ms Catermole said ADHA had adopted the Commonwealth Indigenous Procurement Policy and broadened its supply chain to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and social enterprises.
The ADHA’s 39-page RAP can be accessed at this PS News link.
