The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) works in partnership with 15 National Boards to implement the national regulatory scheme for health professionals. The purpose of health practitioner regulation is to protect the public by ensuring that only health practitioners who have the skills, qualifications and knowledge to provide safe care are registered.
Ahpra is committed to providing a culturally safe work environment that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we operate and serve.
This is a full time, fixed term position (2 years with possible extension) and can be located any Ahpra office working within Hybrid and Flexible Working Arrangements Policy
About the Role
The National Director, Health Regulation (Cultural Safety) provides senior leadership to a multi‑year cultural safety reform program that strengthens Ahpra’s regulatory processes and outcomes. The role leads the design and implementation of culturally safe practices across regulatory directorates, aligned to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Cultural Safety Strategy. It works collaboratively across Ahpra, National Boards, regulators and complaints entities to embed cultural safety throughout the National Scheme.
A key focus is improving the experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples engaging with regulatory and complaints processes, ensuring these are culturally safe, responsive and trauma‑informed. This role must be grounded in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing, using lived experience to guide reforms and uphold Ahpra’s commitment to eliminating racism in healthcare and embedding cultural safety as a legislated requirement.
In this role you will:
- Lead the development and delivery of a comprehensive Cultural Safety Program for regulatory directorates, including scope, objectives, timelines and resources.
- Champion culturally safe regulatory processes and decision‑making across the National Scheme.
- Provide strategic, authoritative advice to National Boards, Ahpra’s Executive and senior leaders on cultural safety, reform design, risk, and program implementation.
- Foster collaboration across Ahpra and with external health regulators and complaint entities to strengthen cultural safety in regulatory and complaints pathways.
- Engage with community, applying cultural leadership and lived experience to improve the safety, accessibility and responsiveness of regulatory processes.
- Support and mentor Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff across the National Scheme, contributing to a culturally safe and high‑performing workplace.
About the You
You are a values-driven leader who embodies Respect, Integrity, Collaboration and Achievement.
You bring deep cultural knowledge, community connection and a strong commitment to public safety and culturally safe practices.
The ideal candidate will bring:
- Strategic leadership experience in health, regulatory, or service delivery settings, with a track record of leading system‑level change.
- Skill in managing and influencing cross‑functional teams, including indirect reports, to drive alignment and collective accountability.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building capability, including experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, government agencies, regulators, and complaints entities.
- Ability to navigate complex, multi‑jurisdictional environments, balancing competing priorities and coordinating across systems.
- A deep commitment to public safety and culturally safe practice, applying cultural, community and contextual knowledge to regulatory reform.
- High‑level communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and build consensus in sensitive and challenging contexts.
- Strong risk management capability, using sound judgement to identify, assess and mitigate strategic and operational risks.
Role Descriptor:
RD - National Director - Regulation - Cultural Safety - Feb 2026 final 11 Feb 2026.pdf
What we offer:
- Work/life balance with the flexibility to work both in the office and at home (50/50 split) – the best of both worlds
- A friendly and supportive working culture with an active social club
- Discounted health insurance with Medibank Private and discounted gym memberships
- Open plan workspaces in a 5-star rated building in a central location
To apply:
- Click ‘Apply for this job’ to submit your application.
- Your application must include a resume and a cover letter outlining your skills and experience relevant to the requirements in the position description
- Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process
For any queries or a confidential discussion regarding this position, please contact Monica Lambley, Executive Director Health Regulation on 03 8708 9061 or Olli Wynyard Gonfond, National Director – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and Culture Programs on 03 8708 9349
- Closing Date: 11.30pm on Sunday 1 March 2026
Previous applications need not to reapply, thank you.
Offer of employment is subject to successful background (pre-employment screening) and Criminal History checks.
Ahpra is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We strongly encourage people of all abilities to apply, particularly people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, and those who may experience diversity or disability related barriers in securing employment. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application.
With respect, no agencies please.
