Key Elements
As part of the Australian Government's commitment to closing the gap on life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, an Indigenous Mothers' Accommodation Fund will be established.This initiative will provide $10 million through capital funding grants over the next three years (2008-09 to 2010-11) for accommodation for Indigenous women from remote communities who need to travel to regional and urban centres to have their babies.
Background
The Indigenous Mothers' Accommodation Fund responds to the critical shortage of culturally appropriate, safe and supported accommodation for expectant and new Indigenous mothers from remote areas. Improving the health of Indigenous mothers and babies is a top priority for the Australian Government. The Indigenous Mothers' Accommodation Fund will contribute to this by giving Indigenous mothers and babies access to antenatal care, immunisation and maternal and child health services.As well as providing new services, this measure will expand services at existing facilities. Indigenous expectant and new mothers can also stay at a range of affordable accommodation facilities operated by providers around Australia, including the Australian Government-owned company, Aboriginal Hostels Limited.