VACCHO congratulates Minister Natalie Hutchins on the legacy she leaves  Community 

Oct 21, 2025

The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) congratulates Minister Natalie Hutchins for her outstanding contributions and commitment to championing and elevating the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples over the past decade.

VACCHO CEO, Dr. Jill Gallagher AO, said she is saddened to hear that Minister for Government Services, Treaty and First Peoples, Prevention of Family Violence, and Women will not seek re-election next year.

“Ms Hutchins has always been a fierce advocate for the many diverse communities we are proud to have here in Victoria – especially the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and she will undoubtedly leave behind a lasting legacy,” said Dr. Gallagher.

Minister Hutchins has been instrumental in helping Victoria on the path to Treaty by raising up the voice of Aboriginal Community, listening to their aspirations and recently culminating that work with the Treaty legislation.

“Ms Hutchins has always actively supported Treaty with our state’s traditional owners, and I believe her unwavering commitment to listen, so I believe helping us deliver Treaty is a fitting way for her to conclude a very long and fulfilling career.”

“We thank Minister Hutchins for her service and wish her all the very best for the future,” Dr Gallagher said.

Media enquiries

For further media enquiries please email communications@vaccho.org.au or contact our media unit on (03) 9411 9411.

Background 

VACCHO is the peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing in Victoria – the only one of its kind – with 34 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.