The Queensland Election could be a watershed moment for health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland, but will the next government seize the opportunity to make a difference? QAIHC Acting CEO Paula Arnol is calling for our elected leaders to work with and for our people.

As the 2024 Queensland Election approaches, we challenge Queensland’s major political parties to commit to genuine partnership with our people and to make real investments in First Nations health as part of their election commitments.

The state’s political parties can make a real and significant difference to health equity for Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders in Queensland.

We stand at a critical juncture following the failed referendum last year, the continued underperformance of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap measures, and the continued failure to recognise and fund our sector as a integral part of the health system.

How can we influence and engage with the incoming government to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Queensland? How should you vote this October?

We can’t tell you how to vote. What we can say is that QAIHC will continue to lobby for genuine partnerships, and investment in our community-controlled health sector.

The winner of this year’s election must look to Queensland’s ACCHO sector to co-design community-led, culturally safe health solutions. ACCHOs can achieve better results for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; we know what our communities need, and we are best placed to support their social, emotional, physical, and cultural wellbeing.

The incoming government must take steps to strengthen the ACCHO sector by:

  • increasing the number of programs and services that are designed and delivered by ACCHOs;
  • prioritising funding to ACCHOs in procurement, grant or program guidelines; and
  • reviewing funding arrangements for ACCHOs, so the sector has dedicated, reliable and consistent funding.

ACCHO sector unites

Over the next several months, we encourage the ACCHO sector in Queensland to positively influence change by engaging with the major political parties in their area.

  • Talk to your local state MP and political candidates: Inform your MP and potential candidates of the health issues facing your region and how they can advocate for better conditions or your community. Organise a meeting or write a letter to introduce yourself. Each MP is aware that any issue raised in their electorate by an individual may be an issue of concern for many of their potential voters. Invite them to tour your organisation, meet your executives and Board of Directors or invite them to a function.
  • Ask for specific actions: If possible, predetermine what specific actions you and your service would like to see the candidate undertake if elected to parliament. You may need to consult with your staff or your community members to inform your request. When you make your request, ensure that the actions you are asking for are feasible and realistic. Where there is current available evidence which demonstrates that the action you are requesting improves outcomes, ensure you have this readily available on the handout.
  • Finally, your vote counts: Know the candidates in your area, and the political parties they represent.
    • Where does their party stand on First Nations issues, particularly regarding health equity?
    • How do they propose to improve health outcomes for current and future generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in your region?
    • Once you are equipped with this knowledge, have a yarn with the members of your community about how they can make a difference.

Let’s empower our communities to take responsibility for their lives and their futures.