Ten days out from the federal election, the peak body for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in the Northern Territory has called on all political parties to support better health outcomes for Aboriginal Territorians.
The latest data showed life expectancy for First Nations women has gone backwards, as well as targets around employment, birthweight, early childhood education, child development, employment, and youth engagement.
There has also been a regression in the targets around adult incarceration and youth detention, whilst the target to increase the rate of babies born at a healthy weight is also unlikely to be met.
The Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT) says parties need to reaffirm their commitment to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. The peak body said on Thursday they are seeking meetings with all parties to discuss ways to uphold targets on First Nations-led service delivery, along with improving health outcomes.
"Stronger healthcare builds stronger communities," AMSANT chief executive Dr Paterson said.
"Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) have been central to improving the health of Aboriginal communities in the NT, but progress is too slow – held back by deep inequities in housing, education, poverty, and other social determinants of health.
"We commend the Albanese Government for its commitment to health in the Northern Territory and are seeking meetings with all parties ahead of the upcoming election to discuss ways to uphold the Closing the Gap targets for First Peoples-led service delivery and support better health outcomes for Aboriginal Territorians."
Dr Paterson said the NT needed a government "willing to face these health gaps and meaningfully support the ACCHS sector, where they need it".
Earlier this month, the peak body commended Labor for their $60 million health and aged care plan for the NT, part of which will be used in partnership with a local aged care provider to deliver residential care homes for the Darwin region.
The funding guarantee has been matched by the Coalition, meaning the top end will see large-scale investment no matter who wins government on May 3.
Dr Paterson said Labor's funding came after previous investment in reducing food insecurity in remote communities and the implementation of eight Urgent Care Clinics across the Territory, which showed a "genuine willingness to act".
"The Urgent Care Clinics are easing pressure on hospitals, reducing medevac arrangements, and strengthening the capacity of overstretched primary care services," Dr Paterson said.
"The more care we can provide within local communities, the better the outcomes. Initiatives like these support culturally safe, community-based care that keeps people closer to home and their families."
He added: "Collaboration of this kind is never easy, but we must continue working together outside political cycles to ensure meaningful action — whether in health, education, housing, or other critical areas — from all governments for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people."
