News

20 January 2010

Indigenous CEO for IAHA

Chair of the IAHA Board, James Charles, said that the appointment of Craig Dukes in the role of CEO was a key factor in IAHA’s ability to develop and drive strategies to achieve equality in health for Indigenous Australians through allied health.

“IAHA’s goal is to facilitate a comprehensive range of culturally appropriate, accessible and affordable allied health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their communities,” Mr Charles said. “Craig’s knowledge of, and experience in working in Indigenous health will enable IAHA to achieve this goal.”

Craig Dukes has had a distinguished career spanning a number of key managerial positions in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs and positions in the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and the Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health in the Department of Health and Ageing.

Indigenous Allied Health Australia offers Indigenous leadership, knowledge and experience in the development of strategies and pilot projects to address aspects of allied health training and the inequities in the availability of allied health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“IAHA was established in June 2009 and already has a large Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander membership.” Mr Dukes said. “This membership is growing rapidly and I believe that IAHA has major potential, through its membership, to achieve its vision for equality in health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  I am immensely excited and honoured to be appointed as the CEO of such a dynamic and visionary organisation.”