The Chair of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Council, Andrew Podger, today welcomed the news that the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) had decided to rejoin the Council.

The Health Council is the key advisory body on Indigenous health to the Commonwealth Government and Council members, most of whom are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people, have wide expertise in Aboriginal health issues.

NACCHO recently withdrew from the Council after concerns about the progress of revisions to the National Aboriginal Health Strategy but today they came back to the Council offering to work closely with the Government to achieve the best outcomes for Aboriginal health.

"I am delighted that NACCHO has returned to the Council as they have expertise and experience in Indigenous health that will greatly benefit the important work of the Council," Mr Podger said.

"I am also pleased that we have been able to suitably clarify to NACCHO that the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Strategy document is, at this stage, a draft for consultation only."

NACCHO attended the first meeting of the Council for this year, held today in Canberra.

Media contact: Kay McNiece, Dept. Health and Aged Care 0412 132 585