$8.75m boost for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services hailed as a crucial part of the Closing the Gap National Agreement

The NT and federal governments have revealed a joint funding boost for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.

ABORIGINAL health services in West Arnhem, Maningrida and Central Australia will receive $8.75 million in additional funding to help transition to community control in a joint agreement between the Commonwealth and NT governments.

The boost has been hailed as a crucial part of the Closing the Gap National Agreement released last year, with transitioned health services reportedly improving rates of immunisation and childhood anaemia.

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The funding was jointly announced by federal health minister Greg Hunt and his Territory counterpart Natasha Fyles.

“We have held extensive consultation with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, which is key to giving communities real control over their own health and wellbeing,” Mr Hunt said.

“Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations provide access to effective, high quality, comprehensive and culturally appropriate primary health care services,” he said.

“The Australian Government has been financially supporting a transition of health services to community control since 2008-09.”

West Arnhem health services would be among those favoured by the grants. Picture: Keri Megelus

Ms Fyles said the funding would allow continued local decision making and recognised the importance of listening to the community.

“We look forward to working in partnership with the Commonwealth to deliver on this important initiative,” she said.

The funding will be spread over four years from July 1 2021, focusing on West Arnhem, Maningrida and Central Australia.

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Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory chief executive John Patterson welcomed the funding as a major boost to Aboriginal health services.

“This is consistent with the Closing the Gap National Agreement priorities to strengthen Aboriginal decision making and enhancing Aboriginal community control organisations,” Mr Patterson said.

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