Australia’s national institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research is to receive a $30.5 million federal funding boost.
Announcing the pledge, Health Minister Greg Hunt said the work of the Lowitja Institute encompassed all areas that contribute to the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians, including social and cultural determinants.
“Improving health and social equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is one of Australia’s key heath challenges,” he said in a statement on Saturday.
“Research is the drive to deliver safe, quality and culturally appropriate health care.”
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Mr Hunt said all 20 projects supported by the Lowitja Institute in 2020-21 were led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers.
Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt said Indigenous-led research would continue to be an important part of the government’s Closing the Gap framework aimed at reducing Indigenous disadvantage.
“The institute has built extensive networks with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health researchers, peak bodies, health organisations and communities to drive a comprehensive, collaborative health research program,” he said.