Commonwealth funding for new and improved Indigenous health facilities

On the 27 March 2003, Senator Kay Patterson the Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, announced the allocation of major funding for new and improved Indigenous health care facilities in urban, rural, and remote Australia. The funding is part of the Commonwealth funded Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Capital Works Program.

Funding of almost $8 million will be provided to construct and redevelop health facilities and services to improve access to effective primary health care and substance misuse services in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The new funding will enable the provision of health facilities that are durable, locally sustainable and appropriate to the cultural and physical environment of the Indigenous communities. Upgrading and improving existing facilities, and the construction of housing units to accommodate doctors, nurses and health care staff in remote communities will help attract health care professionals to work in these areas.

To date, funding requirements for Indigenous communities have been identified in nearly all States and Territories. The majority of funding will target health and substance misuse services in Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory, Western Australia, Queensland, and Victoria. It is anticipated that the program will encourage and support community participation and local ownership.

For further information view:

• Senator the Hon Kay Patterson’s media release