The Federal Government has pledged to put Aboriginal community-controlled health groups at the centre of health reforms. 

Federal health minister Mark Butler says he has tasked the Department of Health and Aged Care with an audit of all services for Indigenous communities that are not delivered by First Nations groups.

“Our ambition is to transition more programs to First Nations control over the course of this government,” Mr Butler said.

The government has also launched a scholarship scheme to encourage more entry-level Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health students to join the health workforce. 

The scheme, named after former National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) chair Dr Arnold ‘Puggy’ Hunter, was set up to create a trained Indigenous workforce to control health services for the community.

“This is a critical area for this government to build and grow. The work of ACCHOs around the country isn’t just a model for First Nations health, it’s a model for the whole health sector,” Mr Butler said.

“We have a sector that remains fatigued from our collective efforts during the pandemic, and I thank all those who undoubtedly made many sacrifices to care for others in your communities during this time and who preserved through the many obstacles and daily challenges that arose.

“We are thankful to have made the transition to a new phase, and although COVID-19 has not disappeared, we still need to ensure we’re as protected as possible.

“All health ministers have prioritised this work, including the Commonwealth through myself and assistant minister Malarndirri McCarthy,” he said.

The government has also set aside funding for 500 new First Nations traineeships to support employers.

“This will be delivered through the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Sector, demonstrating the power of co-designed models,” Mr Butler said.