The Australian Government is upholding its strong commitment to strengthen Medicare and to fulfil the National Agreement on Closing the Gap by investing more than $500 million over five years into Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs).
This investment will contribute to greater access to vital Medicare-services across the country, including in rural and regional areas. It will also ensure First Nations people have access to culturally appropriate and high-quality health care, directly targeting Outcome 1 of Closing the Gap, so that First Nations people enjoy long and healthy lives.
The infrastructure grants focus on building and upgrading clinics in areas of highest need to strengthen First Nations health capacity. This supports Priority Reform 2 of Closing the Gap by investing in and continuing to build the community-controlled sector.
Recently completed works include:
- $8.9 million to Moorundi Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service Limited for a new health clinic at Murray Bridge, South Australia.
- $1.2 million for Kirrae Health Service to extend and renovate a Primary Health Care facility at Purnim, Victoria.
- $6 million for Gunditjmara Aboriginal Co-operative Limited to build a new Public Health Facility at Warrnambool, Victoria
- $1.5m for Wuchopperen Health Service to upgrade ventilation at three clinical service buildings in Manoora, Queensland.
- $1.3m for West Coast Aboriginal and Multicultural Health Service in Queenstown Tasmania.
First Nations people are at the heart of decision making in the Government’s Major Capital Works Program through the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO).
This co-design process is guided by First Nations voices, focuses on culturally appropriate services and helps improve access to quality health care for First Nations communities.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister White
“The Albanese Labor Government is serious about Closing the Gap and this means being guided by First Nations voices for every decision we make.”
"Modern health clinics mean more than new buildings—they mean better care, closer to home, for First Nations communities."
“These new and renovated clinics – with more to follow over coming years - will provide fit for purpose health infrastructure for First Nations people to receive culturally safe care, close to home. “
Quotes attributable to Matthew Smith MP
“The government is pleased to work in partnership with Wuchopperen Health Service to improve these vital resources.
“It’s been a journey hallmarked by cooperation and collaboration between all parties and I particularly thank the local community for their persistence and support.
“This local investment in the sector is a key component of the Australian Government’s commitment to closing the gap in health infrastructure – and I am delighted that this facility is a part of it.
Quotes attributable to Joy Savage, CEO, Wuchopperen Health Service
“Wuchopperen Health Service deeply values the Health Department’s investment in this vital infrastructure upgrade, significantly enhancing air quality and infection control across our Manoora Campus.”
“Patients, visitors, and staff at our Rainforest, Coral Cay, and Reef clinics can now breathe easier, thanks to state-of-the-art air conditioning and ventilation systems.”
“This upgrade strengthens our infection control measures with features like negative airflow rooms and advanced filtration—critical in a post-COVID world.”
“We’re proud to deliver safer, healthier environments for our community through this major health infrastructure improvement.”