Access and equity - the funding required to close the gap in Aboriginal and Islander health in Far North Queensland

This report has been commissioned by the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC). It follows the signing of a Deed of Commitment to support the planning of a move towards community controlled provision of primary health care (PHC) services in Northern Queensland. Two communities are the subject of this report (Cape York and Yarrabah). Yarrabah is an indigenous township approximately 40kms south east of Cairns. Cape York Peninsula covers approximately 137,000 km² and includes 17 Aboriginal communities. The health status of the people of Yarrabah and Cape York is similar to other Indigenous communities throughout Australia.