Budget 2008-09 > Indigenous Budget Fact Sheets > Closing the Gap for Indigenous Australians - Northern Territory - Follow up health care
Closing the Gap for Indigenous Australians - Northern Territory - Follow up health care
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND AGEING (DOHA)
Key Elements
This measure commits $13.6 million in 2008-09 to complete specialist ear, nose and throat treatment, hearing assessments and dental services for children who have had child health checks under the Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER) in 2007-08. The Australian Government has also committed to continue drug and alcohol services and special services for children and communities affected by child abuse and trauma, which were begun in 2007-08.
Background
Under the NTER over 10,000 child health checks will be completed by 30 June 2008. Nearly two-thirds of children who have received a child health check need follow-up treatment.
Implementation
This follow-up initiative will commence on 1 July 2008 and will be implemented in partnership with Aboriginal Medical Services, Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Rehabilitation Services, and Northern Territory Department of Health and Community Services. This measure will be delivered alongside other measures including the
NTER - Improve child and family health and expand health service delivery.
Total Government Funding
The Australian Government has committed a total of $13.6 million in new funding in 2008-09. This brings total funding for health initiatives under the NTER to $113.3 million over three years.
