Metro North Health is committed to equitable, culturally safe care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our goal: life expectancy parity by 2031.
This includes actively eliminating racial discrimination and institutional racism within our health service. Metro North Health has a zero tolerance towards racial discrimination.
The Stop Racism. It Starts with Me campaign is part of our Health Equity Strategy, developed through co-design with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, patients, and community members.
Racism has no place in healthcare.
I have a responsibility to ensure that every person, whether a patient, a carer, or a member of our workforce feels safe, respected, and valued within our health system. We are building a culture where cultural safety isn’t optional. It’s expected. We are making space for truth telling, listening deeply and committing to change, not just for today, but for generations to come.
As Chair of Metro North Health Board, I want to be clear. Racism has no place in our organization or in our health system. We remain firmly committed to achieve life expectancy
parity for Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples by 2031. We stand with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and communities. This starts with us, and it starts now.
We have a right for our voices to be heard in the healthcare system. For people to understand and respect our cultural ways of being and doing.
Culture lives in our systems and in the behaviors we accept or challenge every day. Our job is to build a workforce that reflects our communities, values cultural knowledge, and refuses to be bystanders.
Cultural safety is not a favor, it’s a right. And that means walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, not just inviting us in after the fact.
This work is urgent, and yes, it’s uncomfortable, but it’s necessary. We’re not just aiming for inclusion. We’re building a workplace where everyone belongs.
We’ve lived it. We’ve called it out. And now we are leading change. Every action matters. Every silence counts. This is the moment to lead differently.
Together we can stop racism. This starts with all of us.
Why this campaign matters
Racism continues to impact the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. As part of truth-telling, this campaign amplifies lived experiences of what racism looks like, sounds like, and feels like.
This campaign highlights and brings focus to the organisations Anti-racism commitment and agenda, bringing education and awareness to staff, patients and visitors of our hospital and health service.
What Racism Looks Like
What Racism Sounds Like
What Racism Feels Like
What you can do
Speak up when you witness racism.
Speak up when you witness racism.
How to report
What should I do if I experience racism at a hospital or health service — from staff or other patients?
Speak to any staff member and ask to be connected with your local Consumer Liaison Officer (CLO). CLOs can assist you with your complaint and help escalate it through the appropriate reporting channels.
Can I give feedback informally or anonymously?
Yes. You can share general or anonymous feedback through the Stop Racism Yarning Hub.
All reports — even anonymous ones — are taken seriously and will be reviewed to help guide actions and improvements.
You can also choose to include your name and contact details if you wish.
What happens after I report racism?
Your report will be handled confidentially and investigated in line with Metro North’s policies and procedures.
Outcomes may include:
- Mediation
- Staff Education
- Disciplinary action
- System-wide changes to prevent future racism.
Support is available
- 13YARN or phone: 13 92 76 (24/7 support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)
- Lifeline or phone: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue
- R U OK?
- Black Dog Institute
- Mob Link
Resources
Posters
Other videos
Culture is strength
Anti-racism is healthcare