► The Labor Government has made a top priority of the effort to close the gap in Indigenous and non-Indigenous health, and has backed up this commitment with a record $1.2 billion in Federal funding for Indigenous health programs since being elected.
As Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren travels regularly around Australia to consult with communities and health service providers to better inform the Government's support of Indigenous health. In partnership with States and Territories, the Labor Government has listened and backed up promises with action on Indigenous health. For example:
- Over 10,600 child health checks have been conducted, and over 24,000 follow-up services provided to Aboriginal children for dental, ear, nose and throat procedures
- Since the Remote Are Health Corps (RAHC) began in October 2008 over 1,000 health professionals including doctors, nurses and specialists have undertaken short term placements that address critical health workforce shortages in remote communities
- 237 primary health care staff employed in NT health services in remote communities and these services have also benefited from more than 1,000 placements of urban health professionals in remote Indigenous communities
Building new facilities
The Labor Government has invested in brand new health facilities for Indigenous communities, such as the new Anyiningi Health Centre in Tennant Creek and the $6.6 million new health centre at Lajamanu.
Wadeye Health Centre
Recognising the challenges faced by many in the region who need to travel for treatment, the Labor Government has invested $7.6 million in expanding and refurbishing the Wadeye Health Centre. The clinic services the town of Wadeye, the largest Aboriginal community in the Northern Territory, and the surrounding areas.
The Centre includes consultation rooms, an emergency room, baby treatment rooms and consulting rooms for visiting specialists, and has been designed with sensitivity to local culture, with dedicated areas for male and female visitors and patients.
Promoting Healthy Living
Acknowledging the importance of people taking responsibility for their own health and the health of their families, the Government has partnered with Indigenous organisations to raise awareness of health issues faced by Indigenous people and supported programs to inform and educate Indigenous communities about living a healthy lifestyle.
As Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren has been very supportive of the effort to reduce the very high rate of smoking amongst Indigenous people, which contributes to many chronic illnesses in the community. The Government is funding national awareness programs such as the 'Ditch the Durries' campaign, and the new national Indigenous anti-tobacco workforce being rolled out to support Indigenous health workers initiate anti-tobacco programs in their communities.