Annual report 2024–25

On Monday 24 February 2025, the AIHW and Barang Regional Alliance (Barang) signed a Statement of Commitment to address the data needs of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) community-controlled health sector. This event marked an important milestone in our commitment to working in partnership with First Nations organisations.

Barang plays a vital role in empowering local communities and driving positive, community-led change under a model of First Nations self-governance. Barang advocates for reforming systems and processes to deliver more effective service outcomes for First Nations people. Their deep cultural knowledge and strong community connections ensure that decisions are grounded in local priorities.

AIHW brings national expertise in health and welfare data, analysis and reporting. Our ability to turn complex information into meaningful insights complements Barang’s leadership in shaping services that reflect community needs.

This partnership reflects a shared understanding that data and evidence are crucial to improving service planning and outcomes for First Nations people. AIHW’s contribution will focus on:

• co-designing data solutions that reflect community priorities and cultural context
• building local capability through training and knowledge-sharing in data interpretation and governance
• respecting Indigenous Data Sovereignty, ensuring Barang retains control over how data is used and shared
• improving health literacy by translating complex data into accessible, actionable insights for communities.

In line with our vision, the AIHW looks forward to working in partnership with Barang to deliver quality data and better health outcomes for Australia’s First Nations peoples. This collaboration sets a benchmark for how we can work with First Nations organisations – creating a model for respectful, impactful engagement.