Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Control Why is
Aboriginal Community control important? Historically, Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander communities have experienced high
levels of surveillance, racism and intervention from state
agencies. This included the areas of welfare and health service
provision. Oral and written histories document the ongoing
distress and mistrust felt by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples towards service providers, which often leads to
a failure to access both prevention and treatment in health.
Most health agencies now recognise the importance of community
consultation and culturally appropriate communication and
service provision. In addition, services such as Aboriginal
Medical Services (AMS) extend the level of control, which
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities can exercise
in health and well-being. What is an Aboriginal Medical Service?
Any health service, which is funded primarily to work with
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander