This year marks 50 years of NAIDOC Week, recognising and celebrating the voices, culture and contributions of First Nations people and communities across Australia, including their longstanding service in Australia’s Defence Force.
For health providers working with the veteran community, it is also a timely reminder of the importance of delivering culturally safe and responsive care to First Nations veterans and families of veterans.
First Nations veterans and culturally safe care
First Nations peoples have served in every major conflict involving Australian forces and continue to serve with pride and distinction. Their experiences, both during and after service, can differ from those of other veterans.
Providing effective care requires an understanding of these experiences and a commitment to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive healthcare environment.
Cultural safety is determined by First Nations individuals, families and communities.
Culturally safe care may include:
- recognising the importance of family, community, and connection to Country
- using respectful communication
- being aware of historical and cultural factors that may influence health and wellbeing
- building trust over time.
First Nations Veterans Claiming Quick Guide for providers
We’ve developed a First Nations Veterans Claiming Quick Guide to support providers in delivering high-quality care.
This practical resource outlines:
- Key item numbers available to First Nations veterans and the appropriate MBS and DVA item numbers for billing
- A worked example illustrating how care and claiming may occur over a 12-month period.
The guide aims to make it easier for providers to navigate available item numbers and support billing for high-quality, comprehensive care for First Nations veterans.
We encourage providers to use this resource in your day-to-day practice to support improved engagement and health outcomes.
What you can do
- Review the First Nations Veterans Claiming Quick Guide for providers
- Reflect on how your practice supports culturally safe care
- Consider opportunities to strengthen your cultural capability
- Create a welcoming environment for First Nations clients.
Supporting First Nations veterans is a shared responsibility. By building awareness and applying practical guidance, providers can help ensure all veterans receive respectful, appropriate and effective care.