Immediate funding boost, longer rolling agreements for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services

Aboriginal-run community health organisations have been given a funding boost and promised longer-term funding agreements from 2023.

The federal government has announced a booster for Aboriginal community-run health organisations with an immediate $55 million funding package and the promise of longer-term rolling agreements.

Health Minister Greg Hunt on Saturday said the introduction of four-year rolling funding agreements and yearly increases in available funding will ensure greater certainty and stability for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) sector.

This is on top of an immediate injection of an additional $54.7 million for services under funding pressures.

Indigenous health worker Nerelle Nicol, pictured with her granddaughter Muara Anu, 9. Picture: Brendan Radke

“The ongoing pandemic has once again shown how critical the (sector) is in delivering health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Minister Hunt said.

Overall, available funding to the ACCHS sector will increase by 3 per cent year on year, including indexation from July 1, 2023.

Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt said the investment under the Indigenous Australians’ Health Programme would help improve health outcomes for First Australians.

“By moving to rolling four-year agreements and committing to ongoing funding growth, we are giving ACCHS greater confidence to employ, plan and grow,” Minister Wyatt said.

Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt said the investment under the Indigenous Australians’ Health Programme would help improve health outcomes for First Australians. Photo: Handout / Developing East Arnham Limited / AFP

“Bolstering and supporting the sector is a Government priority and these latest improvements are testament to ongoing collaboration and a shared commitment to Closing the Gap.”

National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) chief executivePat Turner acknowledged Government would partner with it to co-design the delivery of these initiatives.

Saturday’s announcement comes after the Morrison government set aside $781.1 million in the 2021-22 Budget to prioritise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and ageing outcomes, while it has also invested $250 million in Indigenous health infrastructure.

More than $4 billion has been allocated for the Indigenous Australians’ Health Programme from 2021-22 to 2024-25 to deliver culturally appropriate initiatives for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Originally published as Immediate funding boost, longer rolling agreements for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services