Labor Commits to On-Country Healing Centre
Victorian Labor has committed to funding an on-Country healing centre if the party is re-elected at the end of the month, aligning with a recommendation from the state's mental health system Royal Commission.
Health Minister Ingrid Stitt made the announcement at a pre-election community event hosted by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO). She cited the "incredible work" on the business case put forward by VACCHO's Balit Durn Durn Centre and stated that the government is committed to Royal Commission recommendations ensuring Aboriginal solutions are led by Aboriginal communities.
The Royal Commission noted the vital role self-determined services play in promoting Aboriginal social and emotional wellbeing. Stitt’s pledge comes as the state prepares for a general election later this month, with health policy serving as a key point of contention between the major parties.
Economic Modelling and Cultural Framework
VACCHO provided economic data supporting the proposed initiative, stating that the healing centre model of care is expected to save $38 million over 10 years in avoided costs. The organisation noted that the present value of reduced costs to the health system is estimated at $100.8 million over the same period.
According to VACCHO, for every dollar invested in the initiative, the model is expected to return $1.90. The organisation emphasized that the structural design of the centre is critical to its function.
VACCHO CEO Jill Gallagher said the most "crucial concept" of healing centres is that culture will be embedded in whatever services are delivered. The organisation stated that healing cannot happen in systems that continue to disconnect Aboriginal people from culture, country, and community. VACCHO noted that for many Aboriginal people, healing is grounded in cultural identity, connection to Elders, language, family, and country.
Suicide Statistics and Royal Commission Timeline
The announcement follows a period of significant loss recorded by VACCHO. The organisation reported that at least 121 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people had lost their lives to suicide in the 2,000 days since the Royal Commission was established.
In August, VACCHO highlighted these statistics outside parliament, underscoring the urgency of implementing self-determined services. The organisation’s modelling suggests that the proposed healing centre would address systemic disconnection by integrating cultural practices directly into healthcare delivery.
Coalition Health Policy Response
The Coalition has outlined its own health promises to the Aboriginal-led sector, including a $52 million, four-year plan announced last month to expand the Urgent Care Pathways initiative.
This Coalition plan will renew funding for 11 existing Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and expand the initiative to five additional organisations across the state. Liberal leader Jess Wilson said every Victorian deserves access to quality healthcare regardless of where they live or their background.
Wilson stated that her team has a plan to expand vital healthcare services, improve health outcomes, and deliver progress towards Closing the Gap. The competing pledges highlight the focus on Indigenous health services as the election approaches.