COMMUNITY CONTROLLED STATEMENT

The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) Constitution defines “Aboriginal Community Control in Health Services” in the following way:

Community Control is a process which allows the local Aboriginal community to be involved in its affairs in accordance with whatever protocols or procedures are determined by the Community.

The term Aboriginal Community Control has its genesis in Aboriginal peoples’ right to self-determination.

By definition, organisations controlled by Government to any extent are excluded.

By definition, organisations which adopt a vertical approach to health, inconsistent with the Aboriginal holistic definition of health as defined by the National Aboriginal Health Strategy are excluded. NACCHO – Broome Conference – December 1995

“Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service” means:

An incorporated Aboriginal organisation initiated by a local Aboriginal community
Based in a local Aboriginal community
Governed by an Aboriginal body which is elected by the local Aboriginal community
Delivering a holistic and culturally appropriate health service to the Community which controls it.

The Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services Award defines “Aboriginal Community Control in Health Services” in the following way:

Aboriginal community controlled health services are incorporated Aboriginal organisations, initiated and based in an Aboriginal community. They are governed by a representative Aboriginal Board of Management which is elected by the local Aboriginal community. They deliver holistic and culturally appropriate health and well-being services to the Aboriginal community which controls them.