The Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia (AHCWA) is urging the incoming WA Government to implement key reforms to improve the health, housing, and overall well-being of Aboriginal communities. These priorities, aligned with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, focus on culturally safe healthcare, accessible housing, and sustainable community programs.
Expanding Access to Dental Care
AHCWA is advocating for free dental care for all Aboriginal people in WA, highlighting the significant disparity in oral health outcomes. Aboriginal people experience dental disease at up to three times the rate of non-Aboriginal Australians, with barriers such as cost, limited service availability, and long waiting times. Current government subsidies only cover a portion of dental costs, leaving many without necessary treatment. AHCWA calls for comprehensive dental reform to ensure equitable access to care, particularly for those in regional and remote areas.
Culturally Safe Maternity Accommodation
Pregnant Aboriginal women who must travel from remote areas for antenatal care and childbirth often face inadequate housing options, leading to increased stress and isolation. AHCWA is pushing for dedicated, culturally safe maternity accommodations near healthcare facilities, ensuring better support for mothers and improved health outcomes for newborns.
Addressing the Housing Crisis
The severe housing shortage disproportionately affects Aboriginal communities, with financial stress and homelessness occurring at rates nearly nine times higher than among non-Aboriginal people. AHCWA urges the government to reserve housing for Aboriginal people in metropolitan areas, conduct a comprehensive housing needs analysis, and invest in improving existing housing stock to enhance safety and longevity.
Improving Environmental Health in Remote Communities
Preventable diseases linked to poor living conditions—such as gastroenteritis, rheumatic heart disease, and skin infections—are significantly more common among Aboriginal people. AHCWA calls for investment in an Aboriginal-led environmental health model of care, reducing reliance on expensive fly-in-fly-out maintenance providers and empowering local communities to manage housing repairs and infrastructure needs.
Strengthening Social and Emotional Wellbeing Programs
Family and domestic violence disproportionately affect Aboriginal women and children, who are 33 times more likely to be hospitalized due to family violence. AHCWA is seeking continued and expanded funding for Aboriginal-led social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) programs, which have already shown positive community impacts. Sustainable support would help reduce violence, improve mental health outcomes, and address intergenerational trauma.
Enhancing Child Development Services
With only 31.3% of Aboriginal children in WA meeting early development benchmarks—well below the national Closing the Gap target—AHCWA is advocating for better access to culturally safe child health and developmental screening services. Increased collaboration between government agencies and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) is essential to ensure early intervention and long-term positive outcomes for Aboriginal children.
A Call for Government Action
As WA’s state election approaches, AHCWA emphasizes that the next government has a critical opportunity to transform Aboriginal health and well-being through genuine collaboration with the ACCHS sector. By prioritizing preventative care, housing security, and culturally responsive services, the government can take meaningful steps toward closing the gap and fostering long-term improvements for Aboriginal communities across Western Australia.
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