MDA National's Reconciliation Action Plan

In the spirit of reconciliation, MDA National acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First Nation owners and custodians of the Lands where our Members and staff work across Country. We pay our respects to the Elders past and present and their customs, lores and spirits for they hold the medical and legal traditions, knowledge and learnings of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia.

MDA National’s vision is to take purposeful action to advance reconciliation in the communities that we live and work in, while sustaining meaningful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We are committed to going beyond our sphere of influence to assist in enabling First Nation peoples to have the opportunity to lead, deliver and experience the highest standard of healthcare.

As a Member-owned organisation, MDA National emphasises the importance of supporting its Members and staff in their own reconciliation journeys. This involves creating opportunities for acknowledgement, engagement, learning, and reflection on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures, and communities. We are also dedicated to ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Members and staff have the support and opportunities needed to thrive and reach their full potential.

Our Reconciliation Journey to Date

• 2014: Joined with RDAA to provide Health Bursaries (ongoing)
• 2022: Began attendance at AIDA conferences (ongoing)
• 2023: Partnered with Binar Futures (ongoing)
• 2024: Partnered with IRIS program (ongoing)
• 2024: Registered for RAP
• 2024: Commenced ESG materiality assessment
• 2024: Began attendance at Reconciliation Australia Learning Circle
• 2024: Formed Staff RAP working group
• 2024: Hosted staff conference at Mparntwe on Arrernte country
• 2024: Attendance at Reconciliation Australia Conference
• 2025: Submitted MDA National’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan

Supporting Healthcare in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities

MDA National are on a journey towards better, and this includes partnering for healthier communities. We understand and acknowledge the specific healthcare needs and unique challenges in accessing services that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities face and have committed our support toward several initiatives aimed to improve health outcomes.

You can find out more about Binar Futures, The IRIS Program, and Rural Doctors Association of Australia through the Sustainability and Our Impact section of our website.

Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)

We began our official pathway in formalising our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in 2023 and have invited the guidance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees, Members and communities as we continue to progress through our Reconciliation journey.

Through the collaboration of our Staff RAP Working Group, that includes voices from across MDA National, we have undertaken a comprehensive journey of reconciliation; both at an organisational level, and at an individual level. As part of commencing our RAP, we have encouraged education and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures and will continue to look to the Traditional Owners of the lands which we live and work on for guidance throughout the embedment of our RAP.

MDA National have now submitted the first version of our REFLECT RAP are excited to share the final document once finalised with Reconciliation Australia.