The Opportunity

Join the Policy, Advocacy, Leadership and Strategy (PALS) division at the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC). You will work with the policy team to address our key priorities, including:

- Building the strength of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisation (ACCHO) sector through targeted regional investment to deliver sustainable, community-led solutions.

- Drive structural funding reform and policy change to embed ACCHOs as equal partners in national health system arrangements and enable flexible, community-controlled service delivery models.

- Drive sector-wide reform through the implementation of Strong sector, strong system: QAIHC’s Ten-Year Blueprint 2024-2034 for a strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled health sector in Queensland.

- Monitor and strengthen health equity strategies to ensure accountability and meaningful outcomes for First Nations people.

- Contribute to statewide engagement mechanisms.

Your contribution and key responsibilities

- Conduct high-quality research and analysis to inform the development, implementation, and evaluation of QAIHC policy, submissions, reports, and briefings.

- Provide strategic advice on system-level policy issues affecting the community-controlled health sector, including interpretation of legislation, industrial instruments, and relevant frameworks.

- Lead or contribute to policy and advocacy initiatives that support QAIHC’s engagement with Federal and State governments.

- Coordinate or contribute to projects that deliver innovative and practical policy solutions aligned with sector priorities.

- Build and maintain effective working relationships with the ACCHO sector, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

- Plan, coordinate and facilitate stakeholder engagement activities including meetings, forums, and events.

- Monitor and interpret emerging State and National policy trends relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.

- Support continuous improvement in QAIHC’s policy functions, systems, and organisational processes.

- An awareness of funding mechanisms such as the National Health Reform Agreement and the Indigenous Australians’ Health Program is desirable, but not essential.

What we are looking for

We’re after someone who:

- Has a passion for improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.





- Preferably has knowledge of State and National policy agenda affecting the ACCHO sector.

- Thinks critically, solves problems, and brings a sharp analytical mind.

- Communicates with clarity – both in writing and in person.

- Thrives in a team but can hit the ground running solo.

- Stays organised, manages projects well, and delivers on deadlines.

- Has an eagle eye for detail and takes pride in getting things right.

- Is committed to continuous improvement.

Organisational Overview

The Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC) is a non-partisan peak organisation representing all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Organisations (AICCHOs) across Queensland.

Established in 1990, QAIHC is committed to eliminating disparities in health and wellbeing experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We contribute to this vision by leading the development of the community- controlled health sector in Queensland through evidence-based, practical public policy solutions.

QAIHC operates through four key divisions and our mission is underpinned by our commitment to cultural safety, self-determination, and holistic approaches to health care.

Sector Development

The Sector Development division works closely with the Sector to lead and build the organisational capacity and capability of our members. Sector Development works with Members on practical steps to strengthen their services (both individually and regionally) with key focus areas of Workforce, Health Programs, Social and Emotional Wellbeing and direct Member engagement.

Policy, Advocacy, Leadership & Strategy

The Policy, Advocacy, Leadership & Strategy division is responsible for developing high quality policy, submissions, briefings and publications that advocate for, and underpin, a strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled health sector in Queensland. Key policy mechanisms informing our priorities include QAIHC’s Ten-Year Blueprint 2024-2034 for a solid Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community- controlled health sector in Queensland, the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, and the National Health Reform Agreement.

Corporate Services





Corporate Services provides high level entity-wide administrative and operational support to all of QAIHC. This support includes financial, human resources, facility and information and communication technology (ICT) systems and process management.

Additional Information

Our workplace

We’re looking to find the person best suited for the role. We value having a workforce that reflects the diverse views, experiences and backgrounds of the community we serve. We strongly encourage enquiries and applications from people with diverse backgrounds including people with disability. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants will be highly regarded.

We recognise that diversity of cultures and beliefs enriches everyone and provides a multiplicity of viewpoints representative of the community we serve. We strive to cultivate a psychologically safe and high-performing team environment, one that operates collaboratively and values the collective views of others.

As a non-government organisation, QAIHC offers attractive salary packaging, meaning you can increase your take-home pay with tax-free not-for-profit Salary Package.

Interested in applying?

To enable us to assess your suitability, your application should include:

- your current resume, including the names and contact details of two referees with a thorough knowledge of your abilities and performance over the last two years. These should be from people that have managed or supervised you in the workplace.

- a statement of up to two pages, telling us what you will bring to the role and your motivations to apply.

Information for applicants

- Successful applicants will be subject to a criminal history check relevant to their role. This may include a blue card screening for roles that work with children.

- To be eligible for permanent appointment to QAIHC, applicants must provide proof of Australian citizenship, permanent residency or a right to stay indefinitely.

- A six-month probationary period will apply.

- Occasional travel may be required. A full drivers’ license is required.

- Candidates must demonstrate cultural competency and respect for Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander traditions and values.

- Applications close 18th September 2026 unless filled prior to this date

- For more information or to discuss your suitability to this role, please contact:

Scott Brown - Snr Manager, Health Data and Analytics & Acting Co-GM, PALS (07) ••••-•545.

📌 Senior Policy Officer (South Brisbane)
🏢 Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council
📍 South Brisbane