VACCHO congratulates Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party on their election victory over the weekend.

In his victory speech, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the widening gap in outcomes for Aboriginal Australians stating, ‘We will be a stronger nation when we close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.”

VACCHO is now calling on the Albanese Government in its second term, to make good on this commitment by taking swift and meaningful action to close the gap and improve health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal communities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to experience poorer health outcomes culminating in a substantial gap in life expectancy between Aboriginal and non-Indigenous Australians.

VACCHO CEO Dr Jill Gallagher AO, said she was pleased to see both Senator Penny Wong and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese deliver an Acknowledgement of Country in their victory speeches on election night – both met with emphatic applause.

“This election outcome has shown us that Australians have voted against divisive and racist politics and voted for fairness, equality and unity.”

While the lead up to the Federal election was extremely challenging for Aboriginal people, Dr Gallagher said she feels like Mob can breathe a sigh of relief and feel hopeful that the needs of Aboriginal communities can be talked about properly.

“The outcome of this election should mark the end of my people being used as a political football. Despite numerous promises and commitments, there’s no denying that the gap still remains wide, but with a renewed leadership comes a renewed sense of hope,” she said.

VACCHO would like to see the re-elected Labor government act now to make urgent investment in Aboriginal Community-Controlled health infrastructure to ensure the delivery of culturally safe and effective care and help close the gap.

“I implore the re-elected Federal Labor Government to prioritise adequately resourcing Aboriginal organisations and make meaningful commitments that go beyond election cycles.”

If the government invests in putting Aboriginal health in Aboriginal hands, Dr Gallagher says we will create vibrant, self-determining Communities where our Boorais (children) will grow up to shape the future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“Together we have a great opportunity to create a future where Closing the Gap is not just an election promise, but a reality for our People,” Dr Gallagher said.