The Albanese Labor Government has announced a new $16.9 million initiative that aims to improve cancer care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
Indigenous Australians are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer and have poorer survival outcomes compared to non-Indigenous Australians. They are approximately 40 percent more likely to die from cancer than non-Indigenous Australians.
The Partnerships for culturally safe cancer care grant program aims to improve access to treatment and culturally safe cancer care.
This national grant program, under the stewardship of Cancer Australia, will allocate up to $16.9 million over three years to support up to 20 partnerships between cancer services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations.
Partnerships, with funding of up to $1 million each, will focus on innovative, community-driven local activities designed to improve the delivery of cancer care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Applications for the Partnerships for culturally safe cancer care grant program will open on 23 July 2024 and close on 23 October 2024.
For more information on the Partnerships for culturally safe cancer care grant program and other Cancer Australia initiatives visit Improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer outcomes | Cancer Australia
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health, Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy:
“The Albanese Labor Government is working every day to close the gap in health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
“Partnerships with community-controlled organisations are important if we are to make meaningful strides in closing the gap and improving supports for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians affected by cancer.”
Quotes attributable to Cancer Australia CEO Professor Dorothy Keefe:
“This partnership model will foster strengthened and sustained relationships between cancer services and community-controlled organisations to improve cultural safety and equity of access.
“We are delighted to open this grants program as another step towards improving cancer outcomes and experiences for First Nations people with cancer, and in bringing us closer to making the Australian Cancer Plan's vision a reality.”
MEDIA CONTACT: Lindy Kerin 0429 984 223 or Lindy.Kerin@ia.pm.gov.au