 This study focused on Aboriginal health workers in the Inangu-Pichinchachara lands in South Australia. It aimed to identify the factors that hinder the empowerment of Aboriginal health workers within the context of an Aboriginal-controlled primary health care service. The study involved participants who were active co-researchers, which allowed for greater understanding of the issues faced by Aboriginal health workers. Three main factors were identified as barriers to empowerment, poor training standards, low literacy and numeracy skills, and limited involvement in decision-making processes. These factors are interconnected and collectively contribute to the disempowerment of Aboriginal health workers. This article was authored by Rosalind Hecker.