Health Insurance Fund of Australia’s (HIF) Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2026–2028 has been formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia.
This marks an important milestone in HIF’s reconciliation journey. HIF commenced this work in 2021 with a Reflect RAP, and progressing to Innovate reflects the sustained commitment and effort across the organisation.
Chief Member and People Leader, Jennifer O’Brien said, “Progressing to an Innovate RAP wasn’t a quick or easy step, and it shouldn’t be. It meant building on the foundations and committing to doing more, with authenticity, leadership support and a dedicated working group behind the work”.
HIF’s vision for reconciliation is a nation where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and all Australians experience equal and equitable opportunities, treatment and respect. Acknowledging Australia’s true history and its ongoing impacts is important. As an organisation, HIF is committed to listening, learning and strengthening cultural understanding by engaging with First Nations storytelling and acknowledging the experiences of the Traditional Custodians on whose lands we live and work.
As a national health insurance fund, HIF continues to prioritise cultural respect and accessibility in the services we provide. There is a strong commitment to ensuring our offerings are culturally safe, competent and responsive to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Over recent years, this commitment has been reinforced through ongoing employee education, participation in national events such as National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week, and deeper organisational awareness of First Nations cultures, histories and perspectives.
Introducing a dedicated RAP Working Group in 2022 has implemented a cross‑organisational team to drive meaningful progress and keep issues on the agenda. In 2024, HIF conducted an employee survey to assess awareness and engagement with our reconciliation efforts. The results highlighted strong understanding of our RAP journey and identified opportunities to further strengthen engagement. These insights are now informing activities within our Innovate RAP.
HIF’s Innovate RAP outlines four strategic focus areas that will guide future work (2026–2028):
- Increase employee participation in cultural events and activities to promote understanding and connection.
- Embed organisation‑wide cultural awareness training, ensuring all employees build knowledge and confidence.
- Develop culturally appropriate advocacy skills to strengthen how we support and engage with First Nations communities.
- Maintain strong governance and executive accountability for delivering and overseeing RAP commitments.
HIF remains committed to building meaningful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, championing cultural awareness, and contributing to better health outcomes for First Nations peoples. The Innovate RAP represents the next step in a long-term commitment to reconciliation, grounded in respect, partnership and learning, with deep commitment to the work ahead.