About NQPHN
Our purpose, how we work, and the values that guide every decision.
Our purpose
Strengthening primary healthcare across northern Queensland
Northern Queensland Primary Health Network is one of 31 independent Primary Health Networks established nationally by the Commonwealth Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
We are an independent not-for-profit organisation. Our role is to understand the health needs of our region, commission services that respond to them, build the capability of the primary care workforce, and connect the parts of the health system so that people experience care as a whole rather than as a series of separate encounters.
How we work
The Three Cs
Commissioning
Commissioning targeted services that respond to local health challenges, guided by the Joint Regional Needs Assessment and shaped with clinicians and communities.
Capacity building
Capacity building to strengthen the primary healthcare workforce, through education, practice support, digital health and quality improvement across the region.
Coordinating
Coordinating and connecting care across the system, so that people moving between general practice, hospital, allied health and community services experience one pathway.
Watch: What NQPHN does in three minutes
Hear from our CEO on the work that shapes health care in the north
Our work comes down to our ‘three C’s’: we commission services where there are gaps, we build the capacity of the local health workforce, and we coordinate across governments, funders, and clinicians.
Press play to hear how it comes together for the communities we serve and why there is no better place in Australia to live, work, and practice medicine.
Our values
Five values, consistently applied
This Values-Behaviour Blueprint provides a summary of NQPHN’s Values-Behaviour Charter. The Charter represents a shared commitment from all staff to improving the future ways of working at NQPHN. The purpose of this charter is to outline the behaviours and actions expected of leaders and staff across NQPHN.
Collaboration
Values statement
We connect co-operatively across boundaries to share ideas and achieve our goals together.
‘We work together’
Core commitment
- I will work co-operatively across teams to achieve outcomes.
- I will connect with others to build trusting relationships.
- I will share ideas, knowledge, and resources.
Leadership
Values statement
We are empowered, inspired, and will step up to create a better future.
‘We are all leaders’
Core commitment
- I will role-model positive behaviours.
- I will create opportunities to have a positive impact.
- I will take responsibility for contributing to NQPHN’s culture and success.
Integrity
Values statement
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.
‘We do the right thing’
Core commitment
- I will be consistently ethical and trustworthy.
- I will display high levels of professionalism at all times.
- I will represent NQPHN with pride.
Accountability
Values statement
We own our actions, follow through on our promises, and live our values.
‘We do what we say’
Core commitment
- I will follow through on my commitments.
- I will take ownership of my work and performance.
- I will be transparent and forthcoming with information.
Respect
Values statement
We hear, acknowledge, and value all people and voices, finding unity in our diversity.
‘We work together’
Core commitment
- I will actively seek out and value different perspectives.
- I will treat all people with appreciation, dignity, and courtesy.
- I will be culturally informed and sensitive.
Our strategic direction
Our strategic direction
NQPHN’s Strategic Plan 2025–28 sets our direction for improving health and wellbeing across northern Queensland. It is centred on six connected priorities: healthy communities, health equity, a healthy system, a healthy workforce, healthy intelligence, and a healthy organisation.
Together, these priorities guide how we commission services, strengthen the health workforce, use data and digital innovation, and work with our partners to improve access, coordination, cultural safety, and health outcomes. The Plan also connects strategy with delivery through measurable activities, supporting transparency and accountability across our work.
In this report
01
Home
Welcome to the NQPHN Annual Report for 2024-25.
02
Board Chair and CEO message
Reflections on the year and the road ahead.
03
About NQPHN
Our purpose, the Three Cs, and our values.
04
Our priority areas
Six priorities and the projects delivered under each.
05
Board and governance
How NQPHN is led and held to account.
06
Financials
A summary of income and expenditure for the year.
07
Good news stories
Impact from communities across the region