Evaluating the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce peaks program

The Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing commissioned Outpost Consulting to independently evaluate its grant program funding four peak bodies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals from 2018 to 2024.

Our approach was participatory and culturally responsive. We began by co-designing the methodology and tools with the peaks, and their feedback shaped the evaluation framework and ethics plan. We held 45 interviews and small group discussions with peak leaders, members, sector stakeholders and government, including yarning circles with members of each organisation. We put together seventeen stories to show their contribution and impact. Sensemaking sessions with the peaks and the department then validated our findings.

The evaluation found the peaks are uniquely positioned to lead culturally grounded workforce change, and that the program delivers strong instrumental, authoritative and cultural value. Our recommendations were used to guide a program reset built on genuine partnership, with simpler contracts and reporting, and a fit-for-purpose monitoring framework supported by better workforce data.