The Historical Context of Developing an Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Service: A Social History of the First Ten Years of the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress

Abstract

Since 1973, the Alice Springs-based communitycontrolled comprehensive primary health service, the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress Inc. (CAAC), has pursued a broad agenda addressing the social and health needs of the local population. This paper outlines the local and national context and the reasons why the central Australian Aboriginal community decided to establish its own organisation to address social issues and health service provision. The broad social and policy influence of the organisation will be considered in both its historical and contemporary context.