Vic Labor promise community-led healing centre if elected

Dechlan Brennan
Dechlan Brennan Published November 2, 2026 at 8.30am (AWST)

Victorian Labor has committed to funding an on-Country healing centre in line with a recommendation from the state's mental health system Royal Commission.

Appearing at a pre-election community event hosted by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO), Health Minister Ingrid Stitt said the government would fund the centre if re-elected at the end of the month.

She cited the "incredible work" on the business case, put forward by VACCHO's Balit Durn Durn Centre.

"We are committed to the Royal Commission recommendations that are about making sure that Aboriginal solutions are being led by Aboriginal communities," Ms Stitt added.

The Royal Commission noted the vital role self-determined services play in promoting Aboriginal social and emotional wellbeing.

In August, VACCHO noted that, in the 2,000 days since the Royal Commission, at least 121 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people had lost their lives to suicide.

"Healing cannot happen in systems that continue to disconnect Aboriginal people from culture, country and Community," the organisation said at the time.

"For many Aboriginal people, healing is grounded in cultural identity, connection to Elders, language, family and country."

Appearing at the forum, CEO Jill Gallagher said the most "crucial concept that comes with the healing centres is that culture will be embedded in whatever services are being delivered".

VACCHO said modelling showed the healing centre model of care is expected to save $38 million over 10 years in avoided costs, with the present value of reduced costs to the health system estimated at $100.8 million over the same period.

For every dollar invested, the initiative is expected to return $1.90, they added.

The Coalition — which has been criticised for its proposal to rip up Treaty within 100 days of being elected — has also made health promises to the Aboriginal-led sector.

Last month, the Coalition announced a $52 million, four-year plan to expand the Urgent Care Pathways initiative. The plan will renew funding for 11 existing Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and expand the initiative to five additional organisations across the state.

"Every Victorian deserves access to quality healthcare, no matter where they live or their background," Liberal leader Jess Wilson said.

"Our team has a plan to expand vital healthcare services, improve health outcomes and deliver practical and tangible progress towards Closing the Gap."

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