The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) welcomed the nib foundation’s announcement to provide $1 million funding to Aboriginal Community Controlled
Health Services to help close the gap in health and life expectancy outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The $1 million funding was announced today by the nib Chairman, Steve Crane. This funding will be distributed over four years to support a suite of Aboriginal community controlled programs
and help to tackle the current 10-year life expectancy difference between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians.

“This is a very exciting initiative especially since the gap in health and life expectancy between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians is widening,” said Acting NACCHO Chair, Donnella Mills.

“The burden of disease for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island population is 2.3 times higher than for the rest of the population, and it requires additional need-based funding for primary
healthcare services.

“NACCHO welcomes the nib foundation’s funding that will support culturally appropriate health programs delivered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals working in local communities.  This funding is an encouraging sign as organisations such as the nib foundation are willing to support Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) to help reduce the life expectancy gap through best practice responses,” said Ms Mills.

“The only way to close the gap in health and life expectancy is through culturally appropriate programs that are responsive to the needs of the communities. Our 144 ACCHOs have a high level of community oversight and accountability with robust and flexible service models grounded in the culture of our people and contemporary primary healthcare practices.”

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