Health system reform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Cape York

The following information has been adapted from media releases by QAIHC and ANTaRQLD (15 August 2006)

The signing of the historic Cape York Health Agreement means that Queensland health and the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing will transfer the management and decision making of essential primary health care services over to the Apunipima Cape York Health Council. This Deed of Commitment supports the philosophy of community control. It means that Indigenous communities will have more of a say in their own health and will be able to determine what health services are delivered and how they are delivered.

The Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC) supports this outcome and says that ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are in the best position to determine the best approach to addressing the health needs of their communities’. QAIHC is the peak body representing the Aboriginal and Islander community controlled health sector in Queensland. The Council makes a major contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health policy. Its membership comprises some 20 community controlled health services.

• For further information:
  • Landmark agreement to boost Indigenous health in Cape York
    View media release: ANTaR Queensland (HTML) (15 August 2006)
  • ANTaR Queensland
    View website
• Contact details:
  • Ms Rachel Atkinson, Chairperson, QAIHC, ph: 07 3360 8444 or 0407 750844
  • Mr Adrian Carson, Chief Executive Officer, QAIHC, ph: 07 3360 8444 or 0438 117763