Policy and
Advocacy
VACCHO is a strong voice on the priorities and needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We develop clear policy priorities supported by effect advocacy campaigns to assist our stakeholders make meaningful change.
At VACCHO, we work with our Members to identify the key issues impacting Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) across Victoria.
We analyse the broader policy environment and work in-house to produce evidence-based policy position papers that underpin how we advocate for better health and wellbeing outcomes for the Victorian Aboriginal community.
We strive to ensure that the concerns of our Members are always on the policy agenda. We develop policy positions through Member engagement and consultation. Once a policy position has been established, our team engages with stakeholders, prepares submissions, and publishes our position papers for circulation.
On this page, you will find VACCHO’s key policy and advocacy areas including detail on our current work and achievements, and how we plan to engage with these policy areas going forward.
VACCHO’s Yoorrook Submission
VACCHO has submitted its comprehensive health submission to the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s inquiry addressing systemic injustices faced by Aboriginal communities in healthcare, education, and housing.
Federal and State Election Budget Summaries
State
The 2023-24 Victorian State Budget announced a number of changes that will affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health initiatives.
The State Budget includes changes in funding to the corrections system, survivors of family violence, cancer research, women’s health, and more.
This budget has also provided funding for Aboriginal-led programs for court and custodial services.
Federal
The 2023-2024 Federal Budget, released on 9 May, announced several boosts to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health priorities and ongoing funding for key areas of addressing family violence, easing the cost of living and changes to the NDIS.
They will be investing $5.7 billion over five years to strengthen Medicare (read the Medicare Budget Summary report here), making it easier and cheaper to seek medical care when needed.
POLICY AND ADVOCACY
POLICY AND ADVOCACY
Mental Health
POLICY AND ADVOCACY
POLICY AND ADVOCACY
Children & Families
POLICY AND ADVOCACY
Health
Justice
POLICY AND ADVOCACY
Reform
POLICY AND ADVOCACY
Primary
Health
POLICY AND ADVOCACY
Other Drugs
VACCHO’s Advisory Groups and Forums
Coalition for Aboriginal Health Equality Victoria (CAHEV)
Working to ensure that the commitments of the Statement of Intent to Close the Gap in Indigenous Health Outcomes are met.
National Advisory Group for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care (NAGATSIAC)
Advocates on aged care policies, programs and services for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Victorian Advisory Council on Koori Health (VACKH)
VACKH was established to bring together on a regular and formal basis, representatives responsible for state-wide Aboriginal health issues in Victoria.
Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Partnership Forum
A strategic collaboration between the Aboriginal Community-controlled health sector, the mainstream health sector and the Victorian Department of Health
Victorian Aboriginal Ear & Speech Health Group (VAESH)
VAESH meet regularly to discuss ear/hearing and speech concerns and challenges currently faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Victoria.
Victorian Committee for Aboriginal Aged Care and Disability (VCAACD)
The Victorian reference group for staff in organisations providing Home and Community Care (HACC) services to Aboriginal people.
Dhelk Dja Partnership Forum
Connecting Aboriginal Community members to key decision makers across government so they can address family violence issues together.
Victorian Government dismisses lived experiences of Aboriginal people in prisons
CONTENT WARNING: VACCHO advises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that the following article contains...
New report: Community empowerment the key to food security
The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) in partnership with Deakin University’s...
VACCHO Highlights Systematic Health Failings With Yoorrook Submission
The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) has submitted its comprehensive health...
VACCHO / Balit Durn Durn Centre Welcome Victorian Government’s Apology for Institutional Harms
The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) and The Balit Durn Durn Centre welcome the...
Lowitja Institute / VACCHO Study Unveils Aboriginal-led Accountability Body As Solution To Closing The Gap
Yesterday, the Productivity Commission delivered a scathing report on the National Agreement on Closing the Gap,...
Closing The Gap Review: VACCHO Calls for Urgent Government Action to Empower ACCOs
The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) expresses deep concern over the findings of...
January 26 – A Day to Mourn, Heal, and Learn – Not celebrate.
The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) is encouraging Aboriginal and communities...
VACCHO Deeply Disappointed by Victorian Opposition’s Backflip on Treaty
The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) expresses profound disappointment in the...
VACCHO urges Victorian Government to commit to resourcing UN’s anti-torture protocol
The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) joins a legion of advocate groups calling...
VACCHO Launches 2024-25 Budget Submission
VACCHO Budget Submission Calls on Victorian Government to Deliver on Commitment to Having Aboriginal Health in...