FEDERAL Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch says Apunipima Cape York Health Council will receive a share of $81.2 million in new regional tobacco control grants as part of the Government’s re-designed Tackling Indigenous Smoking Programme.
Mr Entsch said: “Tobacco smoking accounts for the deaths of one-in-five Indigenous Australians, and is the most preventable cause of ill-health and early deaths among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“While smoking rates for Indigenous Australians have certainly dropped in recent years, more needs to be done. That’s why the Federal Government is working with local organisations, such as Apunipima, to reduce smoking rates and prevent people from taking up the habit in the first place.
“Alice Springs-based Indigenous organisation Ninti One will manage the newly-formed National Best Practice Unit, working directly with the grant recipients to provide evidence-based approaches to tobacco control in our region,” he said.
Apunipima Cape York Health Council’s CEO Cleveland Fagan said Apunipima was thrilled to receive funding that will continue to provide real impact in Cape York communities to deliver culturally appropriate services.
“Our Tackling Indigenous Smoking program aims to reduce morbidity and mortality related to tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure among indigenous people living in remote Cape York communities by reducing the harm caused by tobacco,” said Mr Fagan.
“It’s a frontline service that provides preventative care to Cape York communities, and this federal government funding will enable us to continue client access and education to preventative and clinical services.
“The service our staff provides to our people is invaluable, and without it we wouldn’t be able to help Close the Gap,” said Mr Fagan.
For further information on the Tackling Indigenous Smoking Programme, visit: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/indigenous-tis-lp
