Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) and the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) has signed a landmark joint Statement of Commitment to strengthen culturally-safe healthcare and improve health equity outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the Mackay region.
The agreement is believed to be the first joint Statement of Commitment between QAS and a HHS in Queensland focused specifically on achieving health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The statement acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Queensland and commits both organisations to delivering healthcare and emergency care that is equitable, culturally safe, community-led and free from discrimination.
Mackay HHS Executive Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Kerry Maley said the signing on Thursday marked a significant milestone built on leadership, partnership and a shared determination to create meaningful change.
“Today is a milestone moment for Mackay Hospital and Health Service and Queensland Ambulance Service,” Ms Maley said.
“This is unprecedented. This is significant. And this is a powerful demonstration of what genuine partnership can achieve.
“Health equity is not optional. Cultural safety is not negotiable. Partnership is the path to change.”
Ms Maley said the agreement represented far more than a symbolic gesture, with both organisations already collaboratively developing a joint implementation plan informed by evidence, community voices and shared priorities.
“We know no single organisation can achieve health equity alone, but together we have the collective power to transform the experiences and outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” she said.
“What makes today even more meaningful is that this partnership is not just being declared — it is already being lived.”
Under the commitment, Mackay HHS and QAS will work together to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into planning, governance and service delivery across all levels of both organisations.
The commitment also aligns with Mackay HHS’s Our Mob Together Strong Health Equity Strategy 2025–2028, which focuses on improving cultural capability, increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce representation and ensuring cultural ways of ‘being, knowing and doing’ are respected across healthcare delivery.
Mackay HHS Chief Executive Sean Birgan said the partnership reflected a strong commitment to accountability and long-term change.
“We are committed to ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples feel safe, respected and empowered every time they engage with our health services,” Mr Birgan said.
“This work is about listening to community, strengthening trust and ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices continue to guide the design and delivery of healthcare across our region.”
QAS Assistant Commissioner Central Region Drew Hebbron said the agreement reinforced the role every staff member plays in achieving culturally-safe care.
“Health equity is everyone’s responsibility,” Mr Hebbron said.
“Every paramedic, clinician, leader and staff member has a role in shaping a culturally-safe and equitable health system, and this commitment strengthens the way we work together to deliver better outcomes for community.”
The Statement of Commitment outlines key priorities including:
- Eliminating racial discrimination and institutional racism
- Improving access to culturally-appropriate and safe healthcare
- Strengthening health equity through social, cultural and economic drivers of health
- Building a culturally-diverse and inclusive workforce and
- Partnering with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations to strengthen service design, delivery and accountability.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members will work alongside Mackay HHS and QAS to help guide annual implementation plans and monitor progress against agreed actions.
Public progress reports will also be released annually to ensure transparency, accountability and continued improvement.
“This joint Statement of Commitment is more than a document,” Ms Maley said.
“It is a promise; a promise of unity, action and meaningful change.
“Together, we will build a health system that is culturally safe, inclusive and equitable and together we will create the change our communities deserve.”