Module Two: Scope of Practice
Webinar 11 Jun, 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM (AEST)
This three part educational series is presented by National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners (NAATSIHWP) based on the RACGP Endorsed Resource Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners in Primary Health Care - A Guide for General Practice
The webinars support general practitioners, practice managers, and primary care teams to strengthen their understanding of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Health Practitioner workforce and their critical role in delivering culturally safe, high quality primary health care.
Across the modules, participants will gain a clearer understanding of scope of practice, employment and funding arrangements, and the structural and cultural factors that influence workforce sustainability.
The series emphasises practical strategies for effective integration, collaboration, and retention, with a strong focus on cultural safety, anti racism, and recognising cultural and colonial load within clinical environments.
Module Two - Scope of Practice
This module introduces the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Health Practitioner workforce and outlines why this workforce is essential to improving health outcomes, continuity of care, and cultural safety across primary health care settings.
Participants will explore the history, uniqueness, and dual clinical‑cultural expertise of the workforce, and understand the important differences between Health Workers and Health Practitioners.
The module also situates this workforce within multidisciplinary teams, highlighting their role as cultural brokers, system navigators, and trusted points of engagement for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and communities.
Registering for this webinar will automatically register you for all three webinars in the series.
All sessions will be recorded, with access links available one week after each live webinar concludes.
Sessions in this series:
Thursday 28 May
Module 1 - Background, Purpose and Workforce Overview
This module introduces the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Health Practitioner workforce and outlines why this workforce is essential to improving health outcomes, continuity of care, and cultural safety across primary health care settings. Participants will explore the history, uniqueness, and dual clinical cultural expertise of the workforce, and understand the important differences between Health Workers and Health Practitioners. The module also situates this workforce within multidisciplinary teams, highlighting their role as cultural brokers, system navigators, and trusted points of engagement for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and communities.
Thursday 25 June
Module 3 – MBS Items, Recruitment & Retention
This module focuses on translating understanding into action by examining compliant and sustainable employment models, available funding mechanisms, and effective retention strategies. Participants will learn how key programs such as the Workforce Incentive Program (WIP) and Practice Incentive Program (PIP) can be used strategically to support workforce integration without driving short term or insecure roles. Central to this module is an exploration of cultural safety, anti racism, and the concepts of cultural and colonial load, highlighting the organisational responsibility to create environments where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff are supported, valued, and able to thrive.
Select the webinar links under the series below to view the learning outcomes for each session.
Learning outcomes
- Describe the role and value of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners in primary health care
- Distinguish between the Health Worker and Health Practitioner professions, including qualifications and regulatory requirements
- Recognise the unique contribution this workforce makes to culturally safe, holistic, and community connected models of care
- Identify opportunities to better utilise this workforce within general practice and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service settings
Educational Activities
1.0
hours
This event is part of NAATSIHWP Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners in Primary Health Care – Guide for General Practice Learning Modules. Events in this series are:
Facilitator
Dr Tim Senior
MBBS, FRACGP
Dr Tim Senior is a GP at the Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation in South West Sydney. He is Medical Advisor to the RACGP in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and is a clinical senior lecturer in general practice and Indigenous Health at the University of Western Sydney.
Presenters
James Harris
Executive Director Professional Development
James is a purpose-driven leader with over a decade of experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce development, vocational education, and strategic policy reform. His career is built on a commitment to equity, cultural safety, and systemic change across the health and education sectors.
As the Executive Director of Professional Development at the National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners (NAATSIHWP), James leads national initiatives that strengthen workforce capability, recognition, and sustainability. He works in close partnership with community, government, regulators, and training organisations to design tools, pathways, and programs that support career progression from entry-level roles through to advanced practice.
He has led the design and delivery of learning programs that equip Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners with the skills and recognition to take on expanded roles, particularly in the areas of immunisation, scope of practice, chronic disease and other key areas.
Tanya Roy
Project Officer, Team Leader - Professional Development
Tanya joined NAATSIHWP in March 2025 as a Project Officer in the Professional Development team.
With a background in public policy, advocacy, project management, and stakeholder engagement, Tanya has worked across various sectors, including health and workforce development. Her experience spans public health, education, and community services, focusing on improving service accessibility and outcomes for diverse communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTIQA+ community, women, and people with disabilities.
Tanya is passionate about ensuring that policies and programs are inclusive, culturally safe, and responsive to community needs. Throughout her career, she has ensured that First Nations voices, knowledge, and leadership are actively reflected in policies, contributing to meaningful and sustained change.