From hospitality to healing: Monash alum pioneering change in Aboriginal health

12 March 2025

Kuku Yalanji man Karl Briscoe has dedicated his career to advocating for health services that genuinely address the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. As CEO of NAATSIHWP, he is at the forefront of dismantling systemic barriers to improved outcomes.

Mr Briscoe with Deputy Dean (Research) Prof
Russell Smyth.

At a time when Indigenous health outcomes remain one of Australia’s most pressing issues, Monash Business School alum Karl Briscoe is fighting to ensure the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are part of the solution.

As CEO of the National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners (NAATSIHWP), he is at the forefront of efforts to bring real, lasting change to the health systems that have long failed his community.

“My motivation is always to improve the health and wellbeing of our people,” he said.

“Healthcare is a fundamental human right we are all entitled to, without discrimination.”

From hospitality to health

Mr Briscoe was working in hospitality in Cairns when he felt the pull to do something bigger. “Something was burning inside me to help my own people, my own mob,” he said.

That fire led him home to Mossman, where he stepped into the health sector as an Aboriginal Health Worker. “I knew I was helping men in my community, but I wanted to have a greater impact,” he said.

Determined to influence policy at a higher level, he took on senior roles in regional and government offices, before becoming Executive Director of Indigenous Health and Outreach for the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service.

There, he advocated for tailored healthcare solutions for remote communities.

A voice for change

When the opportunity to join NAATSIHWP’s Board came along, Mr Briscoe jumped at the chance to scale up his efforts to a national level. Within a month, he was asked to take on a three-month CEO relief role.

“Eight years later, I’m still here,” he said.

Under his leadership, the organisation has grown significantly, gaining new contracts and becoming an influential body in advocating for health equality.

“For me, yes, this is my day job, but I do have quite a lot of other influential roles - a lot of hats I wear,” he said.

Among them, he co-chairs the national Close the Gap campaign and the First Nations Health Governance Group, working directly with the Commonwealth Government.

He also chairs the National Indigenous Health Leadership Alliance and co-chairs the Partnership for Justice in Health, an unfunded body advocating for improved healthcare access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in prison.

Paying it forward

Mr Briscoe said his time at Monash Business School was crucial in shaping his approach to leadership. “Doing the Master of Indigenous Business Leadership helped me to put theory into practice, to understand how Western business systems work, so I’m able to influence change,” he said.

The recipient of the Impact award at the 2024 Monash Business School Dean’s Awards is quick to add that his success is not down to his efforts alone.

“My career has only been possible through the unconditional support of my wife,” he said.
He has also been deeply influenced by those who came before him - and those who continue to guide him.

“I’m fortunate to have mentors who share their wisdom, and I’m committed to doing the same for the next generation,” he said.

“I want to pay it forward.”

Do you know an outstanding Monash Business School alum? Nominate them for our 2025 Dean’s Alumni Awards.