Aboriginal Health

Closing the gap in life expectancy for Indigenous Australians through primary care services

About the Program (Factsheet )

The Aboriginal Health Program aims to contribute to closing the gap in life expectancy for Indigenous Australians by improving access to culturally sensitive primary care services. Mainstream primary care provides a first point of call for health services in Australia, however, cultural barriers can limit usage of these services by Indigenous Australians. Increasing the capacity of mainstream primary care to provide culturally sensitive services for Indigenous Australians will increase the options available for Indigenous Australians.

The Division has employed an Aboriginal Health Project Officer who can provide advice and assistance with information about the PIP/PBS Co-payment incentives, as well as assisting GP practices to develop strategies around the issue of identification or how you could record the number of Aboriginal signed to the Indigenous PIP/PBS. The Aboriginal Health Project Officer is available to talk with GPs and practice staff. Please ring 02 69233100 to speak with the Aboriginal Project Officer.

A new position has been added to the Divisions Aboriginal Health Program; Care Coordination and Supplementary Services. It is a clinical position to contribute to improved health outcomes of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander with a chronic disease through better access to coordinated and multidisciplinary care. Also, to provide increased support to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander patients through General Practice and Aboriginal Medical Services and providing more proactive management on chronic disease.

The Division has also employed an Aboriginal Outreach Worker (factsheet ) who can provide practical assistance to both the patient and GP Practice. This is a non-clinical position, but can assist with ensuring patients are aware of services within their local GP Practice and community. An example might be reminding patients of their follow up appointments and offering transport where required, or linking individuals into appropriate services within their local towns. Please ring 02 69233100 to speak to the Aboriginal Outreach Worker.