Policy and

Advocacy

VACCHO’s Policy and Advocacy team pushes for systemic change to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria.

A strong voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and self-determination.

VACCHO works with Members to shape clear policy priorities for the Aboriginal Community Controlled sector – and we advocate for meaningful change at local, state and federal levels.

But our vision doesn’t stop there.

We’re determined to create vibrant, healthy, self-determining Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities throughout Victoria.

To get there, we develop policy position papers and submissions to support better health and wellbeing for Mob – then share them with decision-makers across government, business, philanthropy and the not-for-profit sector.

That way, our Members’ voices always stay on the political agenda.

Policy Documents

VACCHO's Yoorrook Submission

VACCHO has submitted its comprehensive health submission to the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s inquiry addressing systemic injustices faced by Aboriginal communities in healthcare, education, and housing.

Read it here

VACCHO's Budget Submissions 2025-26

State

VACCHO calls on the Victorian Government to invest in the ACCO sector to further the Government’s commitment to self-determination and enhancing the delivery of health and wellbeing through ACCOs. VACCHO’s 2025-2026 State budget submission prioritises eight projects that will deliver value for money and uplift the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal Victorians.
Download it here

Federal

VACCHO calls on the Federal Government to demonstrate its commitment to enhancing the health and wellbeing of Victoria’s 79,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by increasing investment in the sector. VACCHO’s 2025-2026 Federal Budget submission focuses on five key projects that will to that.
Download it here

Our 2025 Federal Election platform and scorecard

2025 Federal Election platform

VACCHO’s 2025 Federal Election Platform advocates for strengths-based approaches to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

It prioritises six projects that will uplift the health and wellbeing of Victoria’s more than 79,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

View here

2025 Federal Election Scorecard

In this Federal Election Scorecard, VACCHO has compiled responses of questions we asked the parties and major players contesting the upcoming Federal Election in 2025.

This scorecard is based on a number of policy positions relevant to the Victorian ACCO space and to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community more broadly.

View here

The Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Partnership Forum

The Forum brings together Aboriginal organisations, the Victorian Government, and the mainstream health sector with a shared vision of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people having access to a health system that is holistic, culturally safe, accessible, and empowering.

More info