The Cape and Torres Health Commissioning Ltd (CaTHC) Board was excited to formally launch a new health commissioning entity for the Cape and Torres Region in September.
A special event at the Tanks Art Centre in Cairns, saw representatives from both levels of government, alongside ACCHO sector leaders and the CaTHC board, celebrate the launch of Cape and Torres Health Commissioning (CaTHC).
CaTHC Board Chairperson Aileen Addo stated, “CaTHC embodies the principles of self-determination and empowerment, granting authority to local leaders to make key decisions about health services.”
In an Australian first, CaTHC (say “Catch”) has been established as an independent, community-controlled health commissioning entity which will oversee health commissioning for Cape York, Northern Peninsula, and the Torres Strait.
Backed by the Australian and Queensland governments, CaTHC will progressively assume full responsibility for health commissioning over the next decade. This move places local communities at the heart of decision-making, ensuring health services reflect their unique needs and cultural practices.
Health commissioning is the process of planning and purchasing health services to meet the needs of communities.
Deputy Chairperson Flora Warrior said: “Because CaTHC is guided by a community-controlled board, including representatives from the Torres Strait, CaTHC will use data and evidence about the health of our people and listen to our communities to decide what health services we need in the future.”
“CaTHC will be able to purchase health services from the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service and from other health service providers in the region to meet the public health needs of our community.”
Queensland Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women, Shannon Fentiman said: “The incorporation of the Cape and Torres Health Commissioning Ltd is an important step forward in driving transformational health system reform. The Miles Labor Government is deeply committed to closing the health gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We understand the importance of having community self-determination over how health services are planned and funded, to ensure it meets the health needs of those living in the Torres Strait and Cape York Region.”
Commonwealth Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler said: “The Albanese Government is committed to the CaTHC project, to Closing the Gap and to supporting community control of health services. My Department looks forward to working in genuine partnership with the CaTHC Board to improve the health and wellbeing of the communities in Cape York and the Torres Strait Islands and to set up Australia’s first community-led health commissioning entity.”
CaTHC will create new opportunities for place-based initiatives in the Torres Strait around public health.
The CaTHC Board will consult with community members to gather evidence and data about their health needs.
