Treasurer Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP on Budget Night 2026. Image: Australian Parliament House Streaming Portal
The 2026-2027 Federal Budget includes a $793.7 million investment over five years, with $176.1m ongoing, to support implementation of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Among the measures are several investments that could create new opportunities for ACCHOs, particularly in infrastructure, workforce development, mental health, maternal health and community-led health reform.
A significant commitment is $144.1m over two years for urgent infrastructure projects. The Budget also allocates $53m over five years through The Better Renal Services for First Nations Peoples measure, funding the completion of dialysis units and associated workforce accommodation to support on-Country treatment.
The government announced two First Nations youth mental health services, commissioned through NACCHO to replace two remote headspace services. These services are not yet costed.
Culturally safe primary healthcare will be strengthened with $2.7m over three years for another Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker Traineeship program cohort.
The Budget provides ongoing support for culturally safe maternity care, with $44.4m over four years for 10 existing Birthing on Country services, including South East Queensland’s Birthing in our Community (BiOC) program.
Cape and Torres Health Commissioning will receive $1.1m funding over the coming year to continue expanding health commissioning for Torres and Cape communities.
The Government’s Thriving Kids reforms may also strengthen culturally safe care for neurodiverse and/or developmentally delayed children.
There is $60.8m over five years for workforce development including some dedicated First Nations funding. Parts of two five-year funding pools may also support culturally safe early identification ($126.1m) and support for families, kin and carers ($99.5m).
The Budget also reinforces the role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in shaping health policy and services. Under the new National Health Reform Agreement addendum’s Schedule B, the Federal Government has committed $200m over five years, matched by the states and territories, to support shared decision making, community governance, data sovereignty and co-design of Closing the Gap health Implementation Plans.
