Policy and
Advocacy
VACCHO is a strong voice on the priorities and needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We develop clear policy priorities supported by effect advocacy campaigns to assist our stakeholders make meaningful change.
At VACCHO, we work with our Members to identify the key issues impacting Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) across Victoria.
We analyse the broader policy environment and work in-house to produce evidence-based policy position papers that underpin how we advocate for better health and wellbeing outcomes for the Victorian Aboriginal community.
We strive to ensure that the concerns of our Members are always on the policy agenda. We develop policy positions through Member engagement and consultation. Once a policy position has been established, our team engages with stakeholders, prepares submissions, and publishes our position papers for circulation.
On this page, you will find VACCHO’s key policy and advocacy areas including detail on our current work and achievements, and how we plan to engage with these policy areas going forward.
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.
Federal and State Election Budget Summaries
State
The 2024-25 Victorian State Budget announced a number of changes that will affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health initiatives.
VACCHO acknowledges the Victorian Government’s decision to prioritise families in the 2024-25 State Budget, however, it falls short of providing the concrete commitment needed to support Aboriginal organisations who champion Aboriginal culture to keep families strong.
Federal
The 2024-2025 Federal Budget lacks vision, drive and the concrete support for Aboriginal Communities in Victoria.
This budget is another one that fails to deliver solutions to Close the Gap.
VACCHO urges the Federal Government to walk the talk, demonstrate real ambition, and provide meaningful support to empower ACCOs to build strong families, and support thriving, healthy Communities.
POLICY AND ADVOCACY
POLICY AND ADVOCACY
Mental Health
POLICY AND ADVOCACY
POLICY AND ADVOCACY
Children & Families
POLICY AND ADVOCACY
Health
Justice
POLICY AND ADVOCACY
Reform
POLICY AND ADVOCACY
Primary
Health
POLICY AND ADVOCACY
Other Drugs
VACCHO’s Advisory Groups and Forums
Coalition for Aboriginal Health Equality Victoria (CAHEV)
Working to ensure that the commitments of the Statement of Intent to Close the Gap in Indigenous Health Outcomes are met.
National Advisory Group for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care (NAGATSIAC)
Advocates on aged care policies, programs and services for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Victorian Advisory Council on Koori Health (VACKH)
VACKH was established to bring together on a regular and formal basis, representatives responsible for state-wide Aboriginal health issues in Victoria.
Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Partnership Forum
A strategic collaboration between the Aboriginal Community-controlled health sector, the mainstream health sector and the Victorian Department of Health
Victorian Aboriginal Ear & Speech Health Group (VAESH)
VAESH meet regularly to discuss ear/hearing and speech concerns and challenges currently faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Victoria.
Victorian Committee for Aboriginal Aged Care and Disability (VCAACD)
The Victorian reference group for staff in organisations providing Home and Community Care (HACC) services to Aboriginal people.
Dhelk Dja Partnership Forum
Connecting Aboriginal Community members to key decision makers across government so they can address family violence issues together.
Latest Policy and Advocacy News
VACCHO outraged by Governments potential backflip on raising the age of criminal responsibility
VACCHO is deeply concerned to learn the Victorian Government is considering breaking their promise to raise the age of...
Coronial inquest: Joshua Kerr was another preventable Aboriginal death in custody
**Content warning: this piece contains the names of Aboriginal people who have returned to the Dreaming. A Coronial...
Victoria’s Raise the Age Announcement ‘A Step Forward’ – But Bolder Action Needed
The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) welcomes yesterday’s announcement by the...
2024-25 Victorian State Budget a Mixed Bag for Aboriginal Communities and Families
VACCHO acknowledges the Victorian Government’s decision to prioritise families in the 2024-25 State Budget. However,...
Coronial inquest into passing of Heather Calgaret commences.
CONTENT WARNING: VACCHO advises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that the following article refers to...
VACCHO Submits Evidence at Inquiry into Vaping and Tobacco Controls
VACCHO Acting CEO and proud Gumbaynggirr man Jim O’Shea submitted evidence at the Parliament of Victoria’s inquiry...
Boosting Support for Aboriginal Organisations the Key to Closing the Gap
National Closing the Gap Day is stark reminder that the advent of the two Closing the Gap Agreements over 15 years...
Victorian Government dismisses lived experiences of Aboriginal people in prisons
CONTENT WARNING: VACCHO advises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that the following article contains...
VACCHO Highlights Systematic Health Failings With Yoorrook Submission
The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) has submitted its comprehensive health...
VACCHO / Balit Durn Durn Centre Welcome Victorian Government’s Apology for Institutional Harms
The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) and The Balit Durn Durn Centre welcome the...