Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services: An Act of Resistance against Australia’s Neoliberal Ideologies

Abstract

The individualistic and colonial foundations of neoliberal socio-political ideologies are embedded throughout Australian health systems, services, and discourses. Not only does neoliberalism undermine Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collectivist values by emphasizing personal autonomy, but it has significant implications for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) operate within Community-oriented holistic understandings of well-being that contradict neoliberal values that Western health services operate within. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the role of ACCHS in resisting the pervasive nature of neoliberalism through the prioritization of self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Utilizing a critical evaluative commentary, we reflect on Aboriginal political leadership and advocacy during the 1970s and 1980s and the development of neoliberalism in Australia in the context of ACCHS. Community controlled primary health services across Australia are the only remaining government-funded and Aboriginal-controlled organizations. Not only do ACCHS models resist neoliberal ideologies of reduced public expenditure and dominant individualistic models of care, but they also incontrovertibly strengthen individual and Community health. ACCHS remain the gold standard model by ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights to the self-determination of health in accordance with the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

‘A recipe for cultural disaster!’– a case study of Woolworths Group’s proposal to build an alcohol megastore in Darwin, Northern Territory

“…By providing voice and agency to members of local Aboriginal communities impacted by alcohol, along with a nation change.org petition and open letter published in a major Australian newspaper, public awareness grew dramatically, followed by a groundswell of national support. Furthermore, the fact that the resistance to Woolworths’ proposal was being led by Aboriginal health organisations reinforces previous findings surrounding Aboriginal services operating in direct resistance to commercial interests and promoting self-determination [ 130 – 132 ].…”

‘A recipe for cultural disaster!’– a case study of Woolworths Group’s proposal to build an alcohol megastore in Darwin, Northern Territory

“…Furthermore, the fact that the resistance to Woolworths' proposal was being led by Aboriginal health organisations reinforces previous ndings surrounding Aboriginal services operating in direct resistance to commercial interests and promoting self-determination. (112)(113)(114) The political elements in this case study highlight the need for reform regarding corporate lobbying. The political pressure and lobbying by the alcohol industry, both within the NT and at the Australian federal level, has been well documented.…”

Media coverage of commercial industry activities impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, 2018–2022

“…Previous research has highlighted the need to amplify Indigenous resistance to neoliberal mechanisms to empower transformative action towards health equity ( Choudry, 2007 ; Poirier et al ., 2022a ). Many Aboriginal organizations, such as Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, actively operate in resistance to commercial interests, and neoliberalism more broadly, while promoting self-determination ( Poirier et al ., 2022b ). This was evident in the united voices fighting against the proposed Dan Murphy’s development and in the Free the Flag campaign.…”