Sherry Holzaphel, ED, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health

Adj Prof Jackie Hanson, Chief Executive

On Saturday, 14 October 2023, Australians will have their say in a referendum about whether to change the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing a body called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

The Voice would be an independent and permanent advisory body. It would give advice to the Australian Parliament and Government on matters that affect the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

For staff wanting to know more about the Voice, we encourage you to visit the official Australian Government website – https://voice.gov.au

Over the coming weeks, we recognise the cultural load and extra burden placed on our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce. It’s important to recognise that there are many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have varying opinions on the Referendum whether they support, oppose, or are not yet decided. Their choice and views, and equally, the choice and views of all staff should be respected.

More detailed guidance for Queensland public sector employees on the Voice to Parliament is available on the For Government website.

Metro North Health will be introducing safe spaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to access following the referendum. These safe spaces are to be managed and delivered by the directorates and will be held for a period of four weeks after the referendum.  These spaces will be co-designed with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Lead and Cultural Capability Officer.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Team will also host a ‘pause and reflect’ gathering on 16 October 2023 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. This informal gathering will allow staff to gather, yarn and debrief together. Please expect further details to be shared soon.

There are plenty of support services available to our staff and one specific for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees is the Social and Emotional Wellbeing program. You can reach the team at any time via self-referral ATSILT_Wellness@health.qld.gov.au

If you are seeking useful self-care resources to support social and emotional health, Wellmob is another great platform to access, developed by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – Self-care – WellMob

Please know you have our full support during this time as robust discussions continue amongst the workplace, with patients and the broader community. Remember to look out for others, practice kindness and respect, and reach out if you require support.

Regards,

Jackie and Sherry.