Indigenous Allied Health Australia | About Us

About IAHA

Indigenous Allied Health Australia is a national, member-based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander allied health organisation. IAHA leads sector workforce development and support to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

IAHA supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander allied health students and graduates, value-adding to existing professional development educational and cultural support structures. IAHA also supports the broader allied health workforce and its associate membership of individuals and organisations with expertise, interest and commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Our membership is diverse and works across sectors including but not limited to health, mental health, disability, aged care, education, justice, community services, academia and policy.

 

Our Vision

All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and future generations are thriving in ongoing connection to: self, spirit, and place.

Our Purpose

IAHA support the empowerment of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander allied health workforce to lead transformative change, embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of working and knowing, being and doing.

Our Shared Values

We value and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander:

  • Cultures & Identities
  • Knowledges & Perspectives
  • Sharing & Relationships

Our Principles

The following principles lay the foundation for how IAHA enact our collective vision, purpose and values.

  • Culture as central to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing.
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and self-determination
  • Culturally-informed, strengths-based practice
  • Partnership and Collaboration
  • Accountability and Responsibility to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

A copy of the IAHA Privacy and Confidentiality policy can be found here: Privacy and Confidentiality Policy

Strategic Direction

IAHA’s strategic direction is developed with and guided by our membership. Our vision is underpinned by four strategic priority areas: Supporting the current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander allied health workforce and students through providing professional, personal and cultural supports, mentoring and giving them a voice; Growing the future Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander allied health workforce through health career pathways and community engagement and activities; Leading allied health and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce policy, partnerships and collaborative approaches to strengthening allied health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; and Transforming the cultural safety and responsiveness of the allied health sector and influencing change in the Australian health system through culturally safe and responsive practice and service delivery.

History of IAHA

The incorporation of Indigenous Allied Health Australia Inc. was preceded by a 12-month project to establish the Indigenous Allied Health Network, funded by the former Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing in July 2008. The Koori Occupational Therapy Scheme developed a proposal for funding to establish an Indigenous allied health network, auspiced by Allied Health Professions Australia.

In June 2009, nine Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander allied health professionals attended the first general meeting of Indigenous Allied Health Australia where the first Board members were elected.

In 2013 IAHA moved to incorporate as a Company Limited By Guarantee with the Australian Securities Investment Commission (ASIC) and is a recognised health promotion charity with Australian Charities and Not-for- Profits Commission (ACNC).

IAHA has developed into a strong and influential national peak body supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander allied health graduates, students and associate members. We are involved in a number of national advisory bodies and committees focused on allied health workforce and Indigenous workforce policy. This allows us to have a strong voice and advocate for the allied health sector, to build sustainable and positive relationships with professional associations and the not-for-profit sector and to work in partnership with other Indigenous national peak bodies in building a culturally safe and responsive workforce and health services.

IN 2019, IAHA celebrated their 10 years Making A difference in allied health with members, stakeholders and partners. This important milestone was focused on celebration the achievements of IAHA and its members setting the direction for coming years to continue to build the IAHA brand and profile and continue to grow as a leading national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led peak body.

Supply Nation RegisteredIndigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) is a registered Supply Nation company which means that we are 50% or more Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander ownership. It also means that Indigenous Allied Health (IAHA) is located in Australia and an incorporated entity as required by their registration process.  We are current and have a valid ABN and registered as a charitable status under the Not-for Profit umbrella as per Deductible Gift Recipients (DGR Endorsement).

Supply Nation only registers or certifies companies that are either 50% or more owned and operated by Aboriginal &/or Torres Strait Islander people so you can be assured of the connections being made with the membership and associations that are being chosen. For more information on Supply Nation go to their website here.