Queensland Aboriginal & Islander Health Council

The Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC) is a leadership and policy organisation established in 1990 that serves as the peak body representing all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled health organisations (ACCHOs) in Queensland at both state and national levels. QAIHC plays a central role in ensuring that the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled sector has a strong voice to government and advocates for accessible and equitable comprehensive primary health care to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Queensland. The organisation operates through two key divisions—Sector Development and Policy & Research—working to improve health outcomes whilst embedding sustainable investment in models of care through quality governance and strong leadership underpinned by cultural security.

Community-Controlled Health Organisations Support

QAIHC supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled health organisations (ACCHOs) that are governed and managed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. These organisations aim to provide culturally appropriate and holistic health care services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, addressing health inequalities and strengthening partnerships between communities and mainstream healthcare providers.

Mission and Vision

QAIHC’s mission is to advocate and lobby for accessible and equitable comprehensive primary health care to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Queensland. The organisation’s vision is to empower a sustainable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled health organisation sector, underpinned by cultural safety, strong leadership, and governed by principles of self-determination.

Main Objectives

• Improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• Foster greater self-determination and empowerment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
• Ensure the provision of culturally appropriate health services
• Address health inequalities and the social determinants of health affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
• Strengthen partnerships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and mainstream healthcare providers

Benefiting Groups

QAIHC directly benefits Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout Queensland, with particular focus on those accessing services through community-controlled health organisations. The organisation also supports the broader Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled health sector through capacity building and leadership development.

Types of Services and Activities

• Sector development activities focused on building capacity and capability within member organisations
• Policy and research activities that gather evidence to improve public policy and health investment
• Leadership development and workforce capability advocacy
• Quality management systems promotion and technology advancement
• Taskforce facilitation enabling member participation in policy development and sector priorities
• Representation at state and national levels through board membership with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO)