Department of Health
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Connection to culture is integral to the health and wellbeing for our strong and proud Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. We will ensure culturally safe access to holistic, safe, equitable health, social and emotional wellbeing services for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. We recognise the importance of having a sustainable Aboriginal community-controlled health, wellbeing, and care sector to achieve this. This includes strengthening 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. To do this, we are investing in approaches that embed self-determination in all matters that impact Aboriginal health and wellbeing. We are also supporting Aboriginal research that is self-determined and culturally respectful.

We are deeply committed to ensuring Aboriginal people determine the health and care received by Aboriginal people. We will pursue this through legislative reform, governance structures and Treaty.

Treaty in Victoria is the embodiment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 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 priorities and aspirations. Our vision to be the healthiest people in the world is for all Victorians, including First Peoples.

Priority initiatives

  • Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Agreement and Action Plan.

Outcomes

Equity

  • System that addresses disparities
    • Services address health inequality and respond to the needs and circumstances of all Victorians
  • Health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Victoria
    • Aboriginal people living in Victoria experience greater physical, social, emotional, cultural and spiritual wellbeing.

Reviewed 29 August 2024

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