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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that this website contains the names and images of people who have passed
248
Learn from Aboriginal community-controlled health services
That health departments, academic institutions and other relevant training authorities monitor the proposed Victorian Aboriginal Health Service's Aboriginal Primary Health Care Unit, with a view to learning from its experiences and that those interested in this field study the philosophies and methods of operation of the Aboriginal community-controlled health services.
Aboriginal Justice Caucus Assessment
Recommendation 248 is no longer relevant as the proposed Aboriginal primary health care unit that it referred to was not established. However, the broader principle that health departments, academic institutions and other relevant training authorities can learn from the philosophies and methods of operation of Aboriginal community-controlled health services, remains relevant. Examples of successful Aboriginal models of care are highlighted in response to other health-related recommendations.
Background
The Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (RCIADIC) emphasised that the training of health professionals should reflect a primary health care approach which allows for culturally safe practices towards Aboriginal people. The Commission noted that academic institutions and relevant training bodies, should observe Victoria’s Aboriginal Primary Health Care Unit established in conjunction with Monash University.
The Unit planned to act as a resource centre, support Aboriginal medical students and run postgraduate programs for health professionals. The RCIADIC commended the proposal and suggested that if successful, it should be used as an example for future primary healthcare training.
Actions Taken Since Last Review
Department of Health
Treaty negotiations, preparedness and strategic responses to the Yoorrook Justice Commission (Yoorrook) present significant reform opportunities to improve Aboriginal health and wellbeing in Victoria. At the 2024 hearings, the Minister for Health heard directly from witnesses what is needed to achieve improved health and wellbeing outcomes, and how the Aboriginal community-controlled health sector must be supported in their delivery of Aboriginal models of care. Several system focused priorities and actions of the Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Partnership Agreement and Action Plan were expedited as a direct result of the Yoorrook hearings. These include development of the Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Partnership Accountability Framework, greater support for funding reforms for the Aboriginal community-controlled health sector and a strengthened focus on prevention, early intervention, cultural safety and sharing evidence across the wider health sector. Furthermore, twenty-two Aboriginal community-controlled organisations and four mainstream services across the state receive health funding under the former Korin Korin Balit-Djak Strategy. This funding was shifted into a more sustainable arrangement with the introduction of four-year funding cycles in 2023.