The Allan Labor Government is building a stronger, more inclusive health system that works for all Victorians.

This means putting Aboriginal women and their families at the centre of care – making sure it’s free, culturally safe and close to home. 

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced a boost to expand Koori Maternity Services across north east Victoria.

Delivered locally through the Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service, the funding will support 9 other Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) right across Victoria.

Aboriginal mothers and their babies deserve the same health outcomes as any other mother and child in Victoria.

The goal of the services is to ensure culturally safe and high-quality pregnancy care, with the following outcomes:

• More Aboriginal women access antenatal care earlier in their pregnancy
• Fewer Aboriginal women smoke during pregnancy
• Fewer Aboriginal babies are born early
• Fewer Aboriginal babies die during pregnancy or soon after birth.

Care delivered by our ACCHOs is grounded in culture, connection and kinship.

It is also delivered by clinicians who understand their community, their needs and their experiences.

Only Labor will deliver a health system that works for everyone.

For more information, please visit health.vic.gov.au/patient-care/aboriginal-maternity-services.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas

“We must close health gaps – this means ensuring we have a health system that works for every Victorian.”

“These services are about culturally safe care, connection and community for Aboriginal mothers and their babies.”

Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“This is all about giving Aboriginal women in the community the care they need close to home – that’s how we deliver better outcomes for mothers and their babies.”