In light of the election being called on 18 May, the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) urges all candidates, regardless of party or political leanings, to prioritise the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“The health of Indigenous people is not a partisan political issue and it cannot be sidelined any longer,” NACCHO Acting Chair, Donnella Mills said.
“We have developed a set of policy proposals that if adopted, fully funded and implemented, will provide a pathway forward for improvements in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes,” Ms Mills said.
“We are calling on all political parties to include these proposals in their election platforms and make a real commitment to improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”
NACCHO asks politicians to support these key recommendations ahead of the election on 18 May:
- Increase base funding of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs)
- Increase the baseline funding for ACCHOs to support the sustainable delivery of high quality, comprehensive primary health care services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
- Work together with NACCHO and its State Affiliates to agree to a new formula for the distribution of comprehensive primary health care funding that is relative to need.
- Increase funding for capital works and infrastructure upgrades
- Increase funding allocated through the Indigenous Australians’ Health Programme for:
- capital works and infrastructure upgrades, and
- Telehealth services.
- Around $500 million is likely to be needed to address unmet needs.
- End rheumatic heart disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
