Budget 2007-08 > Indigenous Affairs Budget 2007-08
Family centred primary health care
Portfolio: Health and Ageing
Why is this important?- Primary health care is critical in overcoming Indigenous health problems.
- This measure will support better access to primary health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities in rural and remote areas through funding for:
- up to 45 additional health professionals to enhance existing Indigenous primary health care service delivery
- new and upgraded buildings and clinics in six rural and remote areas across Australia
- business management training for 100 Indigenous health service managers.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and individuals will benefit from improved access to comprehensive primary health care services.
- 100 Indigenous health service managers will benefit from training to improve the business management of the services they run.
What funding is the Government committing to the initiative?
- The Government will provide $38.2 million over four years.
What have we done in the past?
- Since 1996, Indigenous health funding has increased by over $260 million-a real increase of more than 170%. This increased funding has been delivered mostly through the Primary Health Care Access Programme (PHCAP). Since 2003-04 this programme has funded over 200 additional health professionals (General Practitioners, nurses and Aboriginal Health Workers) and 220 additional other service and support positions (including other health workers, patient transport drivers, child/youth workers, etc.), as well as the associated capital infrastructure.
When will the initiative conclude?
- This is an ongoing initiative.