First Nations peoples health and wellbeing

This section was prepared by the First Nations Health Office with technical support by the area that prepares The Health of Queenslanders: Report of the Chief Health Officer Queensland. Data sources may differ from those used in the wider report and results may not be comparable. Please see technical documentation for additional information.

First Nations peoples’ health and wellbeing is a Queensland Government priority given the well-established disparities and inequities that have existed since colonisation.

First Nations peoples in Queensland experience significantly worse health outcomes across the life course for a broad range of conditions.

In 2019 the Queensland Government appointed a Chief First Nations Health Officer to lead and accelerate positive change in health outcomes for First Nations Queenslanders.

Recognising the importance of working with First Nations Peoples in the co-design and co-development of health services, the Queensland Government has implemented the Hospital and Health Boards (Health equity strategies) Amendment Regulation (2021).¹ This required the development of First Nations Health Equity Strategies for all Hospital and Health Services.

In 2024, Queensland launched the First Nations First Strategy 2032.² This strategy provides a platform for the achievement of health equity for First Nations peoples in Queensland.

These key initiatives are important steps towards the achievement of improved health outcomes for First Nations peoples in Queensland.

The information contained in this report illustrates that positive change is occurring, the population is aging, and life expectancy is improving for both males and females. However, there is still much to do to improve the health and wellbeing of First Nations Queenslanders.

First Nations peoples are advised that information relating to deaths, suicide and self-harm are included in Headline indicators. The emphasis on data is not intended to depersonalise the pain and loss behind the statistics. Queensland Health acknowledges the individuals, families and communities affected by deaths from all causes for First Nations peoples and all Queenslanders.