David Follent is a proud Bundjalung man and nationally recognised Aboriginal health leader advancing Indigenous-led system transformation across Australia.

With more than 25 years across frontline care, public health and statewide reform, David’s leadership spans clinical practice, governance, policy innovation and systems redesign. He currently works within NSW Health’s Agency for Clinical Innovation, contributing to large-scale reform initiatives that embed culturally safe practice and Aboriginal governance as core standards within mainstream health systems, not optional inclusions.

A recognised leader in Indigenous Shared Decision Making, David’s work focuses on strengthening culturally grounded approaches that centre Aboriginal voices in clinical care, policy design and service reform. He is currently a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) candidate at the University of Sydney, progressing research that explores Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Shared Decision Making as a pathway to culturally safe and inclusive health systems.

David serves nationally as Chairperson of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners Association (NAATSIHWP), advocating for workforce recognition, professional authority and structural reform across the Australian health landscape.

He is also a founding member and Interim Chairperson of Gullidala: a Sovereign Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health Collective and not-for-profit social enterprise. Indigenous-owned and led, Gullidala brings together leaders from diverse cultural, lived and professional backgrounds to provide culturally grounded strategic advice, governance strengthening and systems-thinking consultancy. As a social enterprise, its work reinvests in building Indigenous leadership capacity and advancing community-led reform.

As a Senior Atlantic Fellow for Social Equity, holds a Master’s degrees in Social Change Leadership, David brings global systems insight alongside deep cultural accountability. A second-generation Aboriginal health professional, his leadership is anchored in responsibility to community, ancestors and future generations, ensuring Indigenous sovereignty shapes the future of health systems.