The AHMPPI has an ethical framework that recognises the special needs, cultural values and religious beliefs of different members of the Australian community, especially when providing health services to high-risk groups, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culturally and linguistically diverse groups. The AHMPPI 2008 provided the overarching framework for all Australians, integrating the national health response for Indigenous Australians into Commonwealth and state and territory planning.

Annexes to the AHMPPI were being developed prior to the pandemic in 2009 to cover arrangements for special groups by professional category or health risk, including an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service Annex; however, these had not been finalised.

Primary health care for Indigenous Australians is provided by private GPs as well as by more than 200 Australian Government–funded Indigenous primary health services, including 150 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs), and by state and territory–run Indigenous-specific services. ACCHSs are funded by the Australian Government and in most instances work in collaboration with state and territory primary health and public health initiatives. The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) is the peak Aboriginal health body representing ACCHSs throughout Australia. NACCHO Affiliates are the state or territory peak Indigenous community–controlled health bodies; there are eight in Australia, one in each state and territory.

The Australian Government funds NACCHO Affiliates to employ Public Health Medical Officers (PHMOs).34 The role of a PHMO is to support and augment the capacity of ACCHSs to prioritise and implement public health initiatives within their jurisdiction. In addition, the DoHA, through its Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health (OATSIH), has strong links with many other Indigenous health organisations.

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34The equivalent of one PHMO position is located in each state and territory affiliate of NACCHO (0.5 for the ACT and Tasmania).


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Review of Australia’s Health Sector Response to Pandemic (H1N1) 2009: Lessons Identified(PDF 1023 KB)