The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) acknowledges the significant contribution of Mary-Anne Thomas MP during her tenure as Victoria’s Minister for Health.
Over four years in the role, Minister Thomas has been a dedicated ally to the Aboriginal Community Controlled health sector, working in genuine partnership with VACCHO to deliver meaningful reform and investment.
VACCHO CEO Dr Jill Gallagher said Minister Thomas’ legacy will be felt across Communities for years to come.
“Minister Thomas has walked alongside our sector as a genuine partner, backing Aboriginal-led solutions and investing in what works for our Communities,” Dr Gallagher said.
“Her leadership has helped strengthen our sector and improve access to culturally safe care for our people.”
Minister Thomas, Michael Graham, Gabrielle Williams, Dr. Jill Gallagher AO and Euan Wallace at the Aboriginal Health
and Wellbeing Partnership Forum.
Minister Thomas has supported an estimated $80 million in new funding for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), strengthening the capacity of ACCO-led healthcare across Victoria.
These investments have helped expand access to culturally safe, Community-controlled care ensuring more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can access culturally safe services through ACCOs rather than hospital emergency departments.
Minister Thomas also oversaw the first expansion of Victoria’s Koori Maternity Services in more than 15 years, enabling more Aboriginal women and their families to experience culturally safe care throughout pregnancy, birth and early parenting.
Her support for VACCHO’s flagship Culture and Kinship initiative has further reinforced the importance of Aboriginal-led, strengths-based approaches, investing in connection, belonging, and prevention as key drivers of improved health outcomes.
Importantly, Minister Thomas demonstrated a strong commitment to truth-telling and accountability through her engagement with the Yoorrook Justice Commission. Her evidence and commitments have contributed to strengthened anti-racism measures within public health services.
At a national level, her leadership has also helped secure the inclusion of a First Nations Schedule within the National Health Reform Agreement—a critical step toward embedding equity and accountability in Australia’s health system.
VACCHO thanks Minister Thomas for her service and wish her the best for the future.
