Federal government launches First Nations health fund

Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) across Australia are being invited to apply for a share of $180 million in federal funding to expand, upgrade and modernise healthcare infrastructure.

The funding forms the third round of the Closing the Gap Major Capital Works Program and will support new clinics, building upgrades, repairs and maintenance projects, as well as housing for healthcare workers in eligible locations.

The government said improved facilities would help increase access to culturally safe healthcare for First Nations people while also addressing workforce recruitment and retention challenges.

Health and Ageing Minister Mark Butler said the program was designed to improve health outcomes and ensure communities helped shape investment priorities.

“The Albanese government is committed to Closing the Gap in health outcomes for First Nations people,” Mr Butler said.

“By working in partnership with NACCHO [National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation], we are ensuring our funding will go to projects which deliver positive outcomes for First Nations people and communities.”

The funding round was co-designed with NACCHO, which represents the community-controlled health sector nationally.

According to the government, projects funded through earlier rounds have delivered tangible benefits, with completed developments reporting an average 15 per cent increase in the number of health services provided and a 40 per cent increase in staffing compared with previous years.

NACCHO chief Dr Dawn Casey said investment in infrastructure was critical to expanding access to care.

“Health infrastructure is health care. With the right clinic, an ACCHO can expand services, grow its workforce and provide culturally safe care closer to home,” Dr Casey said.

“Round 3 puts $180 million behind the infrastructure priorities ACCHOs have set, from new clinics and extensions to urgent repairs and fit-outs.”

NACCHO's inaugural National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Summit, held last week in Brisbane, gave a platform to leaders calling for greater investment in community-controlled workforce development.

At the summit, NACCHO argued that Australia’s growing health, aged care and disability sectors would struggle to meet future demand without stronger Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led training pathways and workforce planning.

“Community-controlled RTOs must be involved at the beginning of workforce planning, not called in after the funding model, course design, and employment pathway have already been decided,” Dr Casey said.

The organisation has been advocating for long-term investment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainers, assessors and RTOs, arguing that workforce growth and infrastructure investment must go hand-in-hand to strengthen care in communities.

Applications for the latest infrastructure funding round close on 7 September. Visit GrantConnect for more information.