Chief First Nations Health Officer

Full time | Brisbane | Attractive Executive Salary

Under section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991, it is a genuine occupational requirement that the role be performed by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.

About the organisation
The Department of Health provides strategic leadership and direction for the public health system in Queensland, with a focus on improving health outcomes for all Queenslanders. The System, Policy and Planning Division is responsible for shaping the state’s public health agenda, developing policy, legislation, and strategic initiatives that protect and promote community health, and driving system sustainability reforms.

Advancing health equity for Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is a core priority. The First Nations Health Office leads planning, strategy, and policy to improve First Nations health outcomes, strengthen partnerships, and embed culturally safe care across the health system.

About the role
The Chief First Nations Health Officer is a key senior leadership position responsible for elevating the visibility and strategic importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health across Queensland. Reporting operationally to the Deputy Director-General, System, Policy and Planning, and strategically to the Director-General, you will provide culturally safe strategic leadership, strengthen high-level relationships across government and community sectors, and lead the delivery of Queensland Health’s First Nations Health Equity Strategies.

You will advise the Minister for Health, and Ambulance Services, and the Director-General on state, national, and international issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing, while representing Queensland Health in high-level forums.

For a full list of responsibilities, please contact Pipeline Talent via [email protected].

About you
The ideal candidate will be a respected and experienced First Nations leader with a demonstrated ability to deliver system-wide improvements in health equity. You will bring a strong track record of executive leadership within the health sector, including policy, program development, and service delivery that supports improved outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

You will demonstrate the leadership values of the Queensland public service - leading strategically, making insightful decisions, demonstrating sound governance, driving accountability and outcomes, and operating in a collegial and supportive fashion. You will be skilled in guiding complex organisations through change, fostering a values-based culture and building influential relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.

You will be an exceptional communicator who engages respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, understands both historical and contemporary health issues and can advocate for culturally safe, evidence-based solutions. You will have the ability to navigate complex political environments, lead multidisciplinary teams and inspire others through vision, integrity and collaboration.

Key Requirements

1. Demonstrated direct, lived-experience, knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and identity.
2. Proven track record of advocating for and leading health equity strategies for First Nations peoples, supported by extensive experience in strategic leadership across complex systems
3. Strong governance and policy and strategic planning experience, with the ability to work effectively with Ministers, senior executives, and community leaders.
4. Exceptional stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills, with a history of influencing outcomes across government, community-controlled sectors, and health services.
5. Experience in addressing institutional racism and embedding culturally safe practices within health systems.
6. High-level strategic, operational, and financial management capabilities, with a demonstrated ability to deliver measurable outcomes in complex environments.

What we can offer you

• A senior leadership role with statewide impact on First Nations health equity
• Flexible working arrangements to support cultural, community and personal commitments
• Opportunities for travel and meaningful engagement with First Nations communities across Queensland
• A culturally safe and inclusive workplace where diversity is genuinely valued
• Access to salary packaging and other Queensland public sector benefits

How to apply
Your application should include:

• A current resume
• A short-written response (maximum 2 pages, dot points acceptable) on how your experience, abilities, knowledge and personal qualities would enable you to achieve the key responsibilities and meet the skill requirements of the role.

Applications are to be submitted via the Apply Now button below.

Applications close 11:59PM Sunday 31 August 2025. Late applications will not be accepted. 

How to get more information
For further information on the position, please contact the team at Pipeline Talent.

Tiana Callaughan
Head of Recruitment
[email protected] | [email protected]
M 0476 538 307| PH 02 8001 6603