The Albanese Government is delivering for First Nations people living in Central Australia with better access to culturally safe primary health care, closer to home.
Safe, accessible and fit for purpose health facilities have been completed and are opening in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) Mutitjulu, and Ltyentye Apurte (Santa Teresa). The new infrastructure and upgrades will enable the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress to provide high quality care and support long term health outcomes.
The projects feature modern facilities which reflect and respect the communities they serve, fostering pride and a sense of ownership for staff, clients and the community.
Existing Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) infrastructure is 20 to 40 years old and in significant need of repair, reconstruction and/or enhancement.
The Albanese Government is continuing to invest in improving ACCHS infrastructure, with an additional $144.1 million announced under the Closing the Gap – Health Infrastructure measure in February.
The new facilities in Central Australia include a purpose-built health hub in Todd Street, Alice Springs and a purpose-built Mutitjulu health clinic. The Ltyentye Apurte (Santa Teresa) clinic was upgraded and modernised and will formally open later this year.
The projects were developed and implemented in partnership with First Nations stakeholders, aligning with the Priority Reforms of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
“The Albanese Government’s investment in quality infrastructure to house important health services is essential to improving primary care in Central Australia.
“First Nations people in this region now have greater access to culturally appropriate and high-quality health care, directly targeting Outcome 1 of Closing the Gap.”
Quotes attributable to Minister Malarndirri McCarthy:
“Access to culturally safe, high-quality health care close to home makes a real difference for First Nations people and families in Central Australia.
“These facilities have been shaped in partnership with communities, ensuring services are delivered in a way that respects culture and meets local needs, as part of the plan for A Better, Safer Future for Central Australia (Central Australia Plan).
“Investing in community-led health services like these is critical to improving long-term health outcomes and Closing the Gap.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister White:
“The Australian Government is investing in better health outcomes for First Nations people living in rural and remote communities across the country.
“Modern health facilities mean more than new buildings. This new and upgraded infrastructure provides fit-for-purpose health infrastructure for First Nations people to receive culturally safe care, close to home.”
Quotes attributable to Marion Scrymgour MP, Member for Lingiari:
“I want to thank NACCHO and the Congress for their cooperation and partnership with the Australian Government to bring these great health projects to fruition.
“I know that the local communities in Alice Springs, Mutitjulu, Santa Teresa and the surrounding region will have better health outcomes with access to these modern, culturally appropriate health facilities.
“Better, welcoming health facilities are a key component of the government’s commitment to closing the gap in health infrastructure – and I am delighted that these facilities are now part of that evolution.”