Your health rights as an Aboriginal person
Aboriginal people have the right to bulk-billed healthcare, culturally safe services, and access to Closing the Gap programs. ACCHOs in Victoria must bulk-bill.
Key points
- All ACCHOs (MDAS, Njernda, etc.) bulk-bill — no out-of-pocket costs
- Closing the Gap scripts give you cheaper medicine ($7.60 for concession)
- You have the right to refuse treatment — but get a second opinion if it is serious
- If you need to travel for specialist care: Patient Travel Assistance Scheme (PTIS)
- You can ask for an Aboriginal health worker at any hospital
- Medical records are yours — you can request them
Your health rights as an Aboriginal person
Aboriginal people in Victoria have specific health rights. These rights exist because governments acknowledge the health disadvantage Aboriginal people face.
Bulk-billed healthcare at ACCHOs
ACCHOs (Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations) are health services run by Aboriginal people for Aboriginal people. In the Mallee region:
- MDAS Mildura — (03) 5023 5023
- Njernda Aboriginal Corporation Echuca — (03) 5480 2200
- Robinvale AHS — (03) 5026 8202
ACCHOs bulk-bill through Medicare. This means there is no out-of-pocket cost to see a GP or health worker at an ACCHO. You don’t pay anything.
If you’re charged at an ACCHO, report it — this is not supposed to happen.
Closing the Gap (CTG) scripts — cheaper medicine
The Closing the Gap (CTG) Pharmacy Program provides cheaper medicines for Aboriginal people with chronic disease. With CTG:
- PBS medicines cost $7.60 for concession card holders
- Some medicines are free under CTG
You need to be registered for CTG by your GP or ACCHO health worker. Ask your doctor or Aboriginal Health Worker: “Can I be registered for Closing the Gap?”
You have the right to refuse treatment
No medical treatment can be performed on you without your consent. You have the right to refuse any treatment — including surgery, medication, or procedures.
If a doctor recommends something serious (especially surgery), you have the right to:
- Ask for a second opinion
- Take time to decide
- Ask what happens if you don’t have the treatment
Never feel pressured into signing a consent form on the spot. Take it home and read it. Ask questions.
Patient Travel Assistance Scheme (PTIS)
If you need to travel more than 100km for specialist medical care, you may be eligible for the Victorian Patient Travel Assistance Scheme (PTIS). This helps with:
- Travel costs
- Accommodation costs
Ask your GP, ACCHO, or local hospital about PTIS — they can help you apply.
Ask for an Aboriginal health worker at any hospital
Every public hospital in Victoria has an obligation to provide culturally safe care. You can ask for an Aboriginal Health Worker to be involved in your care. They can:
- Help you understand your treatment
- Advocate for you with medical staff
- Help with communication
- Support you in making decisions about your care
You can request this at any point during your hospital stay. It’s your right.
Your medical records are yours
You have the right to your own medical records. You can request them from any hospital, GP, or health service you’ve attended. Ask the reception — they are required to provide them.
Your records can be important for future healthcare, for NDIS applications, for legal matters, and for your own knowledge of your health history.
If you need specialist care
If you need to see a specialist, your GP or ACCHO can refer you. At a public hospital, specialist appointments are bulk-billed if you’re referred by a GP and have a Medicare card.
If you’re referred to a private specialist, ask whether they bulk-bill — some do, especially for concession card holders.
Key contacts
- MDAS Mildura: (03) 5023 5023
- Njernda (Echuca): (03) 5480 2200
- Robinvale AHS: (03) 5026 8202
- Services Australia: 132 011 — Medicare enquiries