The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) have furthered their commitment to jointly advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health by signing their third Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today.
This MOU between the two organisations will see ongoing work and shared advocacy for effective, culturally safe and clinically appropriate healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities across the country.
RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Faculty Chair Dr Karen Nicholls said: “Our relationship with NACCHO, Australia’s peak Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health body, is very important to the RACGP. Together we span the whole of primary care. We signed our first MOU with NACCHO in 2014. Together NACCHO and the RACGP have supported Closing the Gap reform, we’ve advocated for increased funding for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, and for a culturally safe and accessible healthcare system that is free from racism.
“We also develop key resources such as the National guide to preventive healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (National Guide) which is used in general practices and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) across the country.which is used in general practices and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) across the country.
“ACCHOs provide high-quality clinically and culturally safe healthcare designed by the community, for the community. RACGP’s 2024 Health of the Nation report revealed that the most satisfied GPs with the best work-life balance work in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health services, including ACCHOs. These are the things we celebrate together.
“We also work in partnership through our NACCHO-RACGP Partnership Project team. I am delighted that this team will continue their important work to implement the National Guide and support high quality health checks for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through a project supported by the Department of Health and Aged Care First Nations Health Division across 2025 and 2026.”
NACCHO CEO Pat Turner reaffirmed the significance of this partnership in strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare.
"Renewing our collaboration with the RACGP reinforces our commitment to strengthening healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For over a decade, this alliance has driven advocacy, informed policy, and supported high-quality, community-led care through our ACCHOs,” she said.
"This agreement highlights the critical role of ACCHOs in delivering culturally safe, comprehensive care. It also underscores the need for genuine cooperation that prioritises equity, self-determination, and the elimination of racism in healthcare.
"We look forward to continuing our partnership with RACGP to drive systemic change, shape policies, and create healthier communities."
NACCHO Board Chair Donnella Mills emphasised the importance of keeping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health at the forefront of national healthcare priorities.
"Healthcare for our people is about more than treatment—it is about respect, self-determination, and ensuring our voices shape the services designed for us. This MOU strengthens our ability to work alongside RACGP to advocate for an equitable and culturally safe healthcare system," she said.
"Through this partnership, we co-design resources, policies, and programs that reflect our communities' needs. It is a commitment to real, lasting change, ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led solutions remain central to healthcare reform."
"We must continue to challenge structural barriers and prioritise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health in all decision-making. Our collaboration with RACGP is a powerful step in delivering care that respects our culture, knowledge, and lived experiences."
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said: “I am so proud that the RACGP has signed this, our third, MOU with NACCHO. This signals our ongoing commitment to jointly advocate for the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“Our relationship is underpinned by the principles of respect, equity, shared decision making and self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations.
"We look forward to continuing collaboration with NACCHO for many years to come.”
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