Australia to invest $67.4m for improved Indigenous health infrastructures

The funding will support the construction of new clinics amongst other projects.

The Australian government is set to invest approximately $67.4m (A$100m) into 33 health infrastructure projects for First Nations communities.

The grant opportunity was co-designed with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) on behalf of the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) sector. 

“Roughly half of all First Nations people receive their medical care through an ACCHS, so it is essential that these clinics are fit for purpose,” Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health, Malarndirri McCarthy, said.

The new funding will go towards constructing new clinics, renovating existing facilities, and building staff housing for workers. 

“Ensuring health workers have access to accommodation will help ACCHS to hire and keep staff, resulting in greater access to health care services for First Nations people,” McCarthy added.

Meanwhile, this investment is in addition to the $80.8m (A$120m) for 52 projects announced in December 2022 and $10.1m (A$15m) for 10 projects in May last year. 

A$1 = $0.67