VACCHO congratulates Senator Larissa Waters on her appointment as leader of the Australian Greens

The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) congratulates Larissa Waters on her appointment as the new Leader of the Australian Greens.

Ms Waters has long been a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability, gender equity, and social justice. Her promotion to party leadership marks a significant milestone, and VACCHO welcomes her continued commitment to elevating the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

VACCHO CEO, Dr. Jill Gallagher AO, believes Senator Waters brings integrity, compassion and fierce dedication to justice to her new role.

“The Greens have consistently championed policies that prioritise justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – from land rights and cultural heritage protections to raising the age of criminal responsibility and truth-telling,” said Dr. Gallagher.

“Partnerships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations are essential to driving health equity and self-determination. We look forward to working closely with Senator Waters and the Greens to ensure that Aboriginal voices are not just heard, but central to policy and reform.”

VACCHO recognises the Greens’ strong track record of supporting Aboriginal-led initiatives and advocating for systemic reform – including the call for a Treaty, implementation of the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, and protection of Country and Culture.

As the peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing in Victoria, VACCHO is committed to building strong, productive relationships with political leaders who demonstrate genuine allyship and a willingness to listen and learn from Community voices.

“We are optimistic about the future and hopeful that under Senator Waters’ leadership, the Greens will continue to be bold and principled in their approach to justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Dr. Gallagher added. “We welcome Senator Waters’ leadership and look forward to achieving meaningful outcomes for our Communities.”

Photo courtesy of greens.org.au

Background

VACCHO is the peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing in Victoria – the only one of its kind – with 33 Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations as Members. VACCHO Members support over 65,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria, and combined are the largest employers of Aboriginal people in the state.