Boosting Cancer Battle in First Nations Communities
The Albanese Government, with Cancer Australia, is continuing to invest in projects that uphold our commitment to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, by investing $24.6 million for new cancer research grants for First Nations communities. This funding will go to 20 successful grant recipients under two new dedicated programs that will reduce the burden of disease experienced by First Nations people.
The first program, Partnerships for Culturally Safe Cancer Care, will connect cancer services with First Nations-led organisations to improve access to culturally safe and community-controlled care. This investment will reduce the burden of disease as First Nations people can access appropriate and safe treatment and care on Country. This will contribute towards Outcome 1 of Closing the Gap, ensuring First Nations people enjoy long and health lives.
The second program, Partnerships for Cancer Research, will support First Nations-led research, linking academic institutions and First Nations organisations to grow the capacity of the First Nations cancer research sector. This investment supports Outcome 8 of Closing the Gap ensuring there is strong economic participation and development of First Nations communities and organisations.
The investment in these two programs not only contributes to Outcomes under Closing the Gap but also upholds the Albanese Government’s strong commitment to the National Agreement’s Priority Reforms, acknowledging a strong commitment to changing the way Government works with First Nations people. These programs will increase opportunities for First Nations organisations to work with institutions to accelerate place-based progress on Closing the Gap and access appropriate cancer treatment and care.
Both programs align with priority actions of the Australian Cancer Plan and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Plan, reinforcing the Albanese Government’s commitment to delivering culturally safe care and supporting First Nations leadership and decision-making in cancer care and research.
As stated by The Hon Rebecca White MP, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health and Assistant Minister for Women
As stated by Professor Dorothy Keefe PSM, CEO of Cancer Australia:
https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/news/stepping-fight-against-cancer-first-nations-communities