” Twenty-five Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services across the nation are undertaking facility upgrades and repairs, thanks to more than $2.7 million in funding from the Service Maintenance Program.

The funds have been allocated to improve the safety and accessibility of services in the Northern Territory, Western Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania.

This includes vital support for clinics, accommodation and associated facilities, so staff can continue delivering comprehensive primary health care to First Nations people that is culturally appropriate and best practice.”

Minister Ken Wyatt Press Release

Download full list of projects funded 

2017-18 SMP – Full ACCHO list

Our Government has given priority to services seeking urgent repairs and maintenance, especially facilities based in remote and very remote areas.

Significant projects include:

• • Urgent security and safety upgrades to the Anyinginyi Health Aboriginal Corporation’s Men’s Health Clinic in Tennant Creek to include duress alarms and swipe cards
  • Improving cultural appropriateness, safety and access at the Dhauwurd-Wurrung Portland and District Aboriginal Elderly Citizens Inc. clinic
  • Extending phlebotomy clean rooms at the Sunrise Health Service Aboriginal Corporation and the Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation to allow immediate testing of children’s lead and iron levels

The Service Maintenance Program – part of the Indigenous Australians’ Health Program (IAHP) – supports the improvement of health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through better access to health services.

Under the IAHP, we are committed to providing First Nations people with access to quality, comprehensive and culturally appropriate primary health care.

In the recent Budget, our Government announced $3.9 billion over four years to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, an increase of approximately four per cent per year.