Health workers to benefit from accommodation investment
The Federal Government says it is delivering on its commitment to invest in Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Services, with new staff accommodation opening in Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory.
The accommodation at Anyinginyi Health Aboriginal Corporation will be available to local and visiting clinical staff who deliver vital primary health care services to First Nations people in Tennant Creek and nearby communities.
“By investing in infrastructure which supports our health workforce, we are helping to ensure First Nations people in Tennant Creek and the Barkly region have access to the care they need, close to home,” Minister for
Aboriginal Affairs Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said.
“This project is a great example of what can be achieved when governments work in genuine partnership with Aboriginal organisations.
Designed to provide high-quality housing for health professionals, the facility will help address workforce shortages and improve continuity of care.
The Government has invested more than $920,000 through the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, as part of the Indigenous Australians’ Health Program under the Closing the Gap Major Capital Works program.
Anyinginyi Health has contributed a further $1.3 million to the facility.
NACCHO CEO Pat Turner said Anyinginyi’s new staff accommodation was about investing in the foundations of care, providing the support health professionals need to stay in the Barkly so care remains close to home.
“This is Priority Reform Two in action, led locally, supported nationally, with the Australian Government working in genuine partnership with our community-controlled sector and strong co-investment from Anyinginyi,” she said.
“When our workforce has appropriate and supportive accommodation, they can stay longer and provide the consistent, culturally safe, comprehensive primary health care our people deserve, and that’s how we Close the Gap in Tennant Creek.”
$500 million commitment
The staff accommodation project was co-designed in partnership with the First Nations health sector and aligns with Priority Reform Two of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, to build the Community-Controlled sector.
The new accommodation is part of the Government’s broader $500 million commitment over five years to invest in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) to improve health infrastructure including funding for new and upgraded clinics, staff, housing and other essential facilities.
