$3.7 million boost for Aboriginal Environmental Health Program
The WA Government is to deliver a major investment in the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal Western Australians with a new Aboriginal Environmental Health Model of Care.
Backed by $3.7 million in additional investment over two years, the model has been co-designed by the Aboriginal Health Council of WA, the Department of Health, and Aboriginal environmental health stakeholders, and builds on the long-standing Aboriginal Environmental Health Program.
This marks a significant step forward in delivering a more modern, culturally responsive, prevention-focused approach to care.
Key points
- Additional $3.7 million Cook Labor Government investment to strengthen health outcomes in the Kimberley, Pilbara, and metropolitan regions
- Community-led care model focused on placing healthy homes at the centre of better health outcomes
- Pilot to strengthen local workforce, regional co-ordination, and on-the-ground support
Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton said prevention starts in the home, and this model would support healthier living, delivering real and tangible improvement for communities.
“By addressing the environmental drivers of disease, we can reduce illness and improve long-term health outcomes,” she said.
“I would like to acknowledge the Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia, service providers, and Aboriginal communities for their important role in developing this model of care, with the pilot to set to strengthen prevention across the State.”
Co-designed with Aboriginal communities, the model puts local voices front and centre, empowering communities to lead decision-making and ensuring services reflect local priorities, culture, and lived experience.
Access to essential facilities
At its core, the model recognises that safe, healthy living conditions are fundamental to better health. Access to essential facilities such as functioning bathrooms, washing areas, and reliable water supply plays a critical role in reducing infectious diseases and improving overall wellbeing.
Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia Chair Vicki O’Donnell said the impacts of environmental health conditions on Aboriginal people were significant.
“This model reflects the way Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations work in partnership with communities to design and deliver services that meet local needs,” she said.
“Improving outcomes depends on cultural safety, trust, strong local engagement, and a workforce that can work effectively alongside Aboriginal communities.
“Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services are deeply connected to their communities and are best placed to deliver practical, culturally secure and sustainable solutions.”
The Government’s latest investment will drive a stronger, more connected system, expanding the environmental health workforce, boosting regional co-ordination, and delivering more support where it is needed most on the ground.
Key components of the pilot include new Regional Coordinators, dedicated prevention roles, and expanded training opportunities to build a skilled, sustainable workforce for the future.
Environmental health referrals
The model will also strengthen links between environmental health services and primary care, helping ensure Aboriginal Western Australians can access the right support, at the right time, closer to home.
On-the-ground initiatives will include home assessments, environmental health referrals, and practical education to support healthier living.
This initiative is part of the Cook Labor Government’s ongoing commitment to Closing the Gap, delivering practical, culturally appropriate solutions that make a meaningful difference to people’s lives.
The pilot will commence in early 2027, with a staged rollout over two years, helping shape future preventative health investments across Western Australia.
