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, ongoing position and can be located any Ahpra office working within Hybrid and Flexible Working Arrangements Policy
About the Role
This National Director role provides senior and strategic leadership to a multiyear reform program to strengthen cultural safety and eliminate racism for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and deliver on our legislative mandate for these outcomes.
It will lead the implementation of the cultural safety aspects of our National Scheme Strategy and our Cultural Safety Strategy, working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peak bodies and with Ahpra, National Boards, Accreditation Authorities.
This is an identified role, requiring lived and living experience to lead and deliver crucial change in regulatory standards, systems and processes and across the health sector.
It 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.
The ideal candidate will bring knowledge and experience of working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and peak bodies applying contemporary governance, partnership and self-determination approaches within a statutory framework, and the ability to create strong partnerships with National Scheme bodies to deliver effective co-designed approaches.
In this role you will:
- Lead the development and delivery of a comprehensive Cultural Safety Strategy, including scope, objectives, timelines and resources.
- Provide strategic, authoritative advice to National Boards, Ahpra’s Executive and senior leaders on cultural safety, eliminating racism, reform design, risk, and program implementation.
- Foster collaboration across Ahpra and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peak bodies and other stakeholders to strengthen cultural safety in the registered health practitioner workforce and health system.
- Engage with community, applying cultural leadership and lived experience to improve the cultural safety of health care.
- Support and mentor Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff involved in delivering the Cultural Safety Strategy across the National Scheme, contributing to a culturally safe and high‑performing workplace.
About 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 and peak bodies, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
- 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 description: 
National Director Indigenous Health Strategy Unit (EXEC) - 11.2.26 final.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
This is a unique and impactful role, with real potential to make a tangible difference to the cultural safety and quality of health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. For more information, please reach out to Helen Townley, Executive Director, Health Workforce on 03 8708 9111 or Olli Wynyard Gonfond, National Director – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and Culture Program on 03 8708 9340.
To apply your application must include a cover letter, current resume and a maximum 2 page document addressing the 'Experience" section of the Role Description.
- Closing Date: 11.30pm on Sunday 1 March 2026
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.
