News release

From: South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI)

Representatives from South Australia’s health, education and research sectors have come together at SAHMRI to sign their organisations’ commitment to championing culturally appropriate, community-led research through a refreshed South Australian Aboriginal Health Research Accord.

The 2026 refresh builds on the strong foundations of the inaugural SA Accord (2014-2025), first established through the work of Professor Alex Brown, Associate Professor Kim Morey and Ms Christine Franks, which has been instrumental in changing the way research is done with Aboriginal communities in South Australia.

A recent evaluation facilitated by SAHMRI’s Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity Theme found that while the inaugural Accord has successfully supported more culturally informed research practice, stronger and more consistent implementation of modernised principles is needed across the state.

The refresh process was grounded in lived experience and guided by Aboriginal Elders, community members and organisations, working together to clarify the principles and how they should be applied in practice.

This process has resulted in the updated document, offering clearer guidance for partner organisations, with a focus on Aboriginal leadership, co-design, cultural authority and community benefit.

Positioned as a shared, statewide resource, the refreshed Accord will be co-owned by its signatories, each taking on responsibility for its application.

South Australian Minister for Health and Wellbeing, the Hon Blair Boyer MP, signed on behalf of SA Health, one of 15 total signatories, including Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia (AHCSA) CEO, Tanya McGregor.

Wardliparingga Co-Lead and SA Accord Aboriginal Leadership Co-Chair, Associate Professor Kim Morey says the refresh is a fundamental step to improve accountability across the system.

“We can develop health research principles with and for Aboriginal communities, but the responsibility for implementation sits with organisations across the system,” A/Prof Morey said.

“This next phase is about embedding those expectations into policies, processes and the way research is done day to day, so we see consistent application across the state.”

Wardliparingga Co-Lead and SA Accord Aboriginal Leadership Co-Chair, Professor Odette Pearson, says the new framework places Aboriginal leadership, voice and decision-making at the centre of research.

“When research is led by Aboriginal people, shaped by community priorities and guided by cultural authority, its impact extends beyond individual projects. It strengthens trust, builds capability, reshapes systems and influences policy and practice. These ripples carry forward, supporting healthier Aboriginal communities,” Prof Pearson said.

The Accord’s merit is reflected in projects such as the Aboriginal Families and Baby Bundles research program, developed through the Aboriginal Communities and Families Research Alliance (ACRA).

The program supported Aboriginal mothers and babies during pregnancy and early childhood, with an Aboriginal Reference Group providing cultural governance, and researchers, health services and community partners working together to ensure respectful communication, shared decision-making and accountability to community. This approach supported better outcomes while strengthening trust with families.

For the next decade and beyond, signatories to the refreshed Accord are committed to driving cross-sector change and supporting research that reflects Aboriginal priorities and delivers lasting impact for communities.

Signatories:

• Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia (AHCSA) — Tanya McGregor, CEO
• Adelaide Primary Health Network (APHN) — Michelle McKay
• Adelaide University — Nicola Phillips, Vice Chancellor and President
• Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA) — Reuben Jacob, Chief Executive Officer
• Australian and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry (ANZDATA) — Dr Phil Clayton, Technical Director
• Bellberry — Trina O’Donnell, Director of Strategic Projects
• Cancer Council South Australia (CCSA) — Dr Julia Morris, Research Director
• Health Translation SA (HTSA) — Tom Symonds, Executive Director
• Heart Foundation — Dr Marie Ludlow, National Manager Regional Affairs
• The Hospital Research Foundation Group (THRF) — Professor Paul Flynn, CEO
• Flinders University — Professor Ray Chan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor
• SA Health — The Hon. Blair Boyer MP, Minister for Health and Wellbeing
• South Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation Network (SAACCON) — Scott Wilson, Lead Convenor
• South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) — The Honourable Hieu Van Le AC, Chair of the SAHMRI Board
• South Australian West Coast ACCHO Network (SAWCAN) — Polly Paerata, Executive Manager