The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) has today released its 2026–27 State Budget Submission, calling on the Victorian Government to make Aboriginal health and healing a priority investment as the state moves into the first budget delivered under Treaty.
VACCHO is seeking $135 million over four years for a targeted package of self-determined, ACCO-led initiatives designed to deliver measurable improvements in Aboriginal health outcomes and social and emotional wellbeing.
VACCHO CEO Dr Jill Gallagher AO said this Budget is a critical test of the Government’s commitment to Treaty, truth, and real reform.
“This will be the first State Budget delivered under Treaty. It is the Victorian Government’s first real opportunity to show it is ready to honour the promise of Treaty by investing in healing, prevention, and culturally grounded care,” Dr Gallagher said.
VACCHO’s submission outlines several major initiatives that will deliver long-term, impacts while responding directly to major government commitments, including the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, the Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Partnership Agreement, Balit Murrup, and recommendations of the Yoorrook Justice Commission.
Dr Gallagher said it is time for Government and the Parliament to recognise that investing in ACCOs and Aboriginal-led initiatives is more effective and more efficient use of Government dollars.
“When you invest in ACCOs, you invest in better outcomes. You invest in prevention and diversion from tertiary systems. You invest in healing. And you invest in a stronger, fairer Victoria,’ Dr. Gallagher said.
VACCHO’s key budget priorities include:
Healing Centres – Strengthening Social and Emotional Wellbeing
Establishing two Healing Centres grounded in clinical and cultural healing to strengthen Aboriginal social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) and reduce reliance on crisis mental-health services.
The Nest – Mental Health Support for Aboriginal Kids and Families
A state-wide Aboriginal Family Wellbeing Service providing culturally safe, early-intervention crisis support for children aged 0–11 and their families. The Nest and the Healing Centres together form an integrated Aboriginal SEWB system envisaged by Recommendation 33.4 of the Royal Commission.
Strengthening Lifelong Oral and Dental Health
Expanding access to culturally safe, ACCO-delivered oral and dental care to reduce preventable hospitalisations and lifelong health inequities.
Health and Wellbeing Infrastructure – Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative & Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place
Capital upgrades to replace outdated ACCO facilities, enabling safe, modern, integrated health and wellbeing service delivery.
ACCO-led Model of Custodial Healthcare (AMoC)
Continuing Aboriginal-led design of a custodial health model, delivered by an ACCO, to implement recommendations from Yoorrook Justice Commission, the Cultural Review, and multiple coronial inquests.
Together, these initiatives will embed Aboriginal self-determination, strengthen the Aboriginal community-controlled health sector, and deliver enduring social and economic returns.
