Our Organisation

Health Equity Matters is the national federation for Australia’s leading HIV and LGBTIQA+ organisations. Learn more about us below, including our vision and values, how we operate and what we stand for.

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  • Values
  • Governance
  • Policies

Health Equity Matters’ vision is a world without HIV, where our communities can enjoy the highest standard of health and wellness, free from stigma and discrimination.

Our purpose is to end health inequity for our communities, with HIV the core of our mission until the epidemic is over for everyone.

Equality is non negotiable

  • We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First Australians and respect communities’ traditions, views and ways of life.
  • We respect the dignity of all people and value diversity.
  • We protect and promote the human rights of all communities and remove social and cultural barriers that hold back justice and health.

Creating success together

  • We value individual thinking but also collaborate to achieve stronger outcomes.
  • We follow the needs of our members and partners and lead on shaping collective solutions.
  • We are honest and transparent, with no tolerance for hidden agendas or politics.
  • We challenge constructively, not condemning and remaining humble.

Being thoughtful

  • We take care in every aspect of our work with strong attention to detail.
  • We take time to gather and analyse a diverse range of data and make informed decisions with a clear understanding of their impact.
  • We treat all stakeholders and each other with respect, understanding and consideration.

Pushing for better

  • We are goal driven and oriented towards action, embracing a ‘can-do’ spirit.
  • We challenge prevailing assumptions and champion better approaches.
  • We are resourceful and resilient, finding a way through setbacks.

Corporate governance – how we operate

  • Health Equity Matters is a company limited by guarantee and is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). As a not-for-profit organisation, we have Deductible Gift Recipient status with the Australian Taxation Office.

    We are governed by a Board of Directors, in accordance with the organisation’s Constitution, the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) Act 2012 (Cth).

    As a national peak body, formed by state-based members and national organisations representing key HIV populations, we are membership based. The membership endorse the appointment of Board Directors and changes to the Constitution at the Annual General Meeting, or Special General Meetings.

  • Health Equity Matters’ objectives and strengths are derived from our members and their communities. Accordingly, we provide leadership by promoting, coordinating and supporting the shared goals of our members and the communities they represent in our endeavours, both domestically and internationally.

    The formal executive positions on our Board are the National President, Vice President and Treasurer. The Board is supported by several committees that advise and support the Board, namely the, the Finance and Audit Committee, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee, the LGBTQI Health Committee, and the International Advisory Committee.

    Our CEO is appointed by the Board and reports directly to the Board at its routine meetings. The CEO has the delegation to manage the organisation’s operations, programs and employment agreements with staff.

Want to join our team? See below.

Join Health Equity Matters in leading the conversation that drives for virtual HIV elimination and champions advancements in LGBTIQA+ health.

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