NACCHO's guiding principles are based on the National Aboriginal Health Strategy 1989 and were further strengthened in the Ways Forward Report (SWR 1995).

They are:

• National Aboriginal Health Strategy definition of health;
• Concepts of health as holistic;
• The right to self determination;
• The impact of history in trauma and loss;
• The need for cultural understanding;
• The recognition of human rights;
• The impact of racism and stigma;
• Recognition of the centrality of kinship;
• Recognition of different communities and needs;
• Aboriginal strengths;
• Universal access to basic health care;
• High quality health care services; &
• Equitable funding for health care.

NACCHO is only as strong as the participation of its Members and Affiliates. Thus two way feedback, advice and support from our Members and Affiliates is implicit in all we do.

Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islanders have different cultures and histories and in many instances different needs. Nevertheless, both groups are affected by the problems that face them as unique Australians. The differences must be acknowledged and may need to be addressed by locally developed, specific strategies.