Today’s announcement of a $125 million Indigenous Health Research Fund over the next ten years has been welcomed by NACCHO Acting Chair, Ms Donnella Mills.

“NACCHO has always supported Aboriginal health in Aboriginal hands, and we have always included health research in that call,” said Ms Mills.

“This is a first step in recognising that evidence-based research in the hands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers is a real game changer in investment in the health of our people and our communities.

“NACCHO looks forward to working in partnership to achieve practical benefits in research, and the translation of that research into real action on the ground.”

Ms Mills said that announcement came after long discussions with the Commonwealth on the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research.

Today’s announcement of $125 million by Minister Hunt has been the result of those discussions carried out over the past year. This funding will be focused on research projects that fall into five key areas: guaranteeing a healthy start to life; improving primary health care; overcoming the origins of inequality in health; reducing the burden of disease, and addressing emerging challenges.

“On behalf of NACCHO I’d like to thank Ministers Hunt and Wyatt for listening to us and acting to give ongoing support through the Medical Future Research Fund for research that is initiated, developed and led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers.”

Media contact: Kari Browne 0455 415 552 and Jo Scard 0457 725 953

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