The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency today announced the appointment of Nicole McCartney as the new National Director of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Strategy Unit (HSU).
Nicole is a proud Yorta Yorta woman living on Bunurong country in Victoria. Nicole is from a long line of strong matriarchs and advocates for Aboriginal rights and is a respected leader with more than 20 years’ experience in Aboriginal health.
As the inaugural Chief Aboriginal Health Adviser in the Victorian Department of Health, Nicole spearheaded the delivery of an Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Division that has focused on embedding self-determination and cultural safety in the Victorian health system.
Her work as the Manager of the Aboriginal Policy and Coordination Unit in Western Australia enabled her to work closely with Aboriginal communities on building models of health that reflect the holistic and cultural view of Aboriginal people and communities.
Holding a Science degree from Murdoch University and with significant experience working with State and Commonwealth governments, Nicole is highly skilled at navigating health policy and reform.
Ahpra CEO Justin Untersteiner welcomed Nicole’s appointment and affirmed Ahpra’s commitment to cultural safety and eliminating racism in healthcare.
“Ahpra is proud of the significant contribution the HSU has played and continues to make in the important work and commitment to culturally safe healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” he said.
“Discrimination and racism cause harm and stop people from accessing the health services they need. I look forward to working with Nicole whose experience and advocacy work will have a profound impact on our important work to keep the public safe.’”
Marilyn Morgan, the Deputy Chair of the National Indigenous Health Leadership Alliance, also welcomed Nicole’s appointment.
“NIHLA looks forward to working closely with Ahpra and with Nicole on our shared goals of cultural safety and eliminating racism from healthcare systems in Australia,”
Nicole will start work at Ahpra on Monday 17 August.
