$30.8 million for health research that listens to Indigenous communities

The Albanese Government is working to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders through 26 research projects that have all involved First Nations people from the start, listening to the lived experience of people at every stage.



These Indigenous-led research projects will share in $30.8 million in funding to help find innovative ways to reduce chronic disease, improve mental health, help people quit smoking and increase resilience in kids.

 

The grants include almost $1 million to enable the successful Koori Quit Pack study to expand its culturally safe and tailored support to help First Nations people give up smoking.

 

Nearly $980,000 will help fund a cultural dance project to build self-esteem, social and emotional wellbeing, physical fitness, and cultural identity and connection in First Nations children to reduce preventable diseases.

 

Another $970,000 will enable the successful Too Deadly for Diabetes program to test whether adding a wearable continuous glucose monitor further improves diabetes self-management.

 

Nearly $1.9 million will help establish community pharmacies as mental health safe spaces for First Nations people.

 

And almost $3 million will test new ways of delivering screening and surveillance for liver disease and hepatocellular cancer to remote communities.

 

Funding is provided through the Indigenous Health Research Fund - an 11-year, $160 million investment from the Medical Research Future Fund that supports First Nations-led research to tackle health issues facing First Nations people and help close the health and mortality gap.

 

The next grant opportunity is currently open for applications until 6 March 2024.

 

Further details about the successful projects can be found at Attachment A. 

 

Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:

 

“Just as a good doctor listens to their patients in order to make the right diagnosis, these research projects involve listening to Indigenous communities in order to get better outcomes.

 

“The Albanese Government has made it a priority to work in true partnership with First Nations people to tackle health inequities and close the gap.

 

“These grants will provide a major boost to First Nations health research, enabling us to find solutions that make a meaningful difference because they are tailored to the needs of First Nations communities – in cities, towns and the bush.”

 

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McCarthy:

 

“The Australian Government is working every day to create stronger, healthier communities to close the gap for First Nations people and turn the tide on First Nations health outcomes.

 

“This significant Australian Government investment research will go a long way towards ensuring First Nations Australians can live longer, healthier and happier lives.

 

“These First Nations led and designed projects will provide culturally safe solutions that are tailored to the needs of communities to help improve health outcomes.”