Connection to culture is integral to the health and wellbeing for our strong and proud Victorian Aboriginal community. We will ensure that Aboriginal people have access to a health, wellbeing and care system that is holistic, accessible, empowering and culturally safe. We recognise the importance of a sustainable Aboriginal community-controlled health, wellbeing and care sector in achieving this, including strengthening its role in early intervention and prevention. Our continued partnership with ACCHOs is designed to strengthen and build sustainability in the sector and drive self-determination across the health, wellbeing and care system.
Improved access to culturally safe mainstream health, wellbeing and alcohol and other drugs services is critical. We are investing in approaches that embed the principles of self-determination in all matters that impact Aboriginal health and wellbeing and supporting Aboriginal research that is self-determined and culturally respectful.
We are committed to ensuring Aboriginal people determine the health and care received by Aboriginal people, pursuing this through legislative reform, governance structures and Treaty.
Treaty in Victoria is the embodiment of Aboriginal self-determination in recognition of the sovereignty of First Peoples. It provides a path to negotiate the transfer of power and resources to First Peoples so they can control matters that affect their lives. The Treaty Negotiation Framework sets out the principles that will guide Treaty-making in Victoria. It ensures Traditional Owner groups can choose their own pathways and timelines for negotiating Treaties that reflect their particular priorities and aspirations. Our vision to be the healthiest people in the world is for all Victorians, including our First Peoples. |
Key deliverables
- Aboriginal voice and self-determination inform design and reform of health environments
- Culturally safe services
- Stronger ACCHOs
- Self-determined and culturally respectful Aboriginal research and evaluation
Initiatives
- Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Partnership Agreement and Action Plan
- Government’s multi-year funding support to ACCHOs
- Health-based response to public intoxication
- More support for parents and babies
- Focus on women’s health
- Priority suicide prevention and response
Outcomes
Equity
- System that addresses disparities and health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Victoria.
Reviewed 20 September 2023