Introduction to the AHMTP

This Program has merged with the mainstream Management Training Program (MTP), which will provide some targeted placements for Aboriginal trainees in the mainstream Program. The Program is administered and coordinated by the ACHSE (NSW Branch) State Director.

History of the AHMTP

(AHMTP) 1997- JANUARY 2005

In 1995/96 the ACHSE NSW State Branch Council made the 'in principle' decision to establish an Aboriginal Management Training Program similar to the existing successful Management Training Program. It was decided that a separate program might be viable to develop future middle and senior managers for both mainstream and Aboriginal Medical Service programs. A firm proposal was submitted to NSW Health, Department of Employment, Education and Training and Youth Affairs and Commonwealth Health for consideration of funding.

The proposal arose from the recognition firstly, that management opportunities for Australian Aboriginal people in the mainstream health system in the past have been limited. Secondly, that opportunities for Aboriginal employment have been concentrated in community controlled Aboriginal health services and Aboriginal specific positions in the mainstream health system.

The aim is to increase the number, location and range of management opportunities for Australian Aboriginal people in the full range of Australian health services.

The Program commenced in 1997, as a joint partnership between the ACHSE (NSW) and the NSW Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council. A Program Coordinator was employed by the College, who worked closely with the MDP Program Director.

This Program has three components:

1. Academic
Participants enrol as external students to complete Graduate Diploma of Health Service Management at the University of New England. The aim of this course is to equip trainees with the knowledge required for senior managerial and planning positions in hospitals and other health facilities. The academic component of this program entails two one-week residential schools per year.

2. Work Placement
Participants undertake four six-month placements. The location of placements is negotiated by AH&MRC (NSW) and ACHSE (NSW) with Aboriginal Medical Services and Area Health Services and other development health agencies who may be interested in participating in the program.

3. Professional Development
Initially, the trainees attend two professional development sessions of approximately three days duration each year to supplement work and academic experience and to reinforce the importance of networking and continuing professional development. In 2002, the AHMTP trainees joined the MTP trainee at monthly Study Days.

The program was overseen by a Steering Committee, which has representatives from each of the funding bodies, NSW Branch of ACHSE and AHMRC and the University of New England.

The program is funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care, Commonwealth Department of Employment Workplace Relations and Small Business, Commonwealth Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs and NSW Health

Aboriginal Health Award
NSW Health recognises and awards people who work and excel in the field of Aboriginal Health in NSW. In the inaugural Aboriginal Health Awards in 2004, the AHMTP won the award for Outstanding Contribution towards Aboriginal Employment and Career Development in a Health Setting. This was an outstanding achievement for the Program and Zane Rice, AHMTP Coordinator and the trainees, past and present, are to be congratulated. Subsequently, the NSW Health Department submitted the AHMTP Award for a Premier's Public Sector Award. While the AHMTP didn't win an award, this does indicate the level of support from the NSW Health Department.

In 2004 the Australian Department of Health and Ageing decided it would not continue to fund the AHMTP. The 2004 cohort was therefore the last in the Program in that format. Some of the AHMTP trainees have continued as part of the mainstream MTP Program in 2005, so they can complete the second year of the Program.

We would like to thank everyone who has been involved with the AHMTP for their support over the years the Program has been operating. Our thanks go to our partner in the Program, Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW, the funders of the Program over the years it operated and to the University of New England for the tremendous academic support they provided the trainees.

The Program Today

The program has merged with the mainstream MTP, which will provide some targeted placements for Aboriginal trainees in the mainstream Program. The Program is administered and coordinated by the ACHSE (NSW Branch) State Director, acting as the Program Director.