Jenny McAllister (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Tyrrell for the question and also for advising my office of her interest in this issue to allow me to prepare an answer. The government acknowledges the significant contribution that No. 34 has made in improving the wellbeing of First Nations people in north-western Tasmania. We recognise how important it is that there are culturally safe services for First Nations people in the region.

No. 34 is currently funded under the Indigenous Australians' Health Programme. This program has become the default funding source for many First Nations health initiatives, including those delivered by non-Indigenous organisations. We are actively working with the Aboriginal community controlled sector to evaluate existing funding for that program and rebalance it in line with priorities identified by that sector. They have told us that their biggest priority for funding is community controlled, comprehensive primary healthcare services. Through this prioritised investment, we can ensure funding will have the greatest impact for First Nations people.

The government is committed to genuine partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled health sector. We've committed to this under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, and priority reforms 1 and 2 speak directly to shared decision-making and building the community controlled sector. That is exactly what we're doing. We recognise the challenges that you have raised today, and there is no question that local programs delivering local solutions are important. The Minister for Health and Ageing has been made aware of this case and is considering actions for funding.