Cape and Torres leaders hail milestone incorporation of new commuunity-controlled health commissioning entity

Community leaders from the Cape and Torres regions have welcomed the incorporation of the Cape and Torres Health Commissioning Ltd (CaTHC), a new health care commissioning entity for the area.

CaTHC is an independent, community-controlled regional health care entity which will commission health services based on evidence and local community input.

It will allow all communities in the Cape York, Northern Peninsula Area and Torres Strait to have a greater say in the planning and funding of health services that meet their health needs and priorities.

The transition of funding to CaTHC will be implemented in a staged approach over the next 10 years with commissioning activities to commence shortly.

CaTHC was originally established under the Torres and Cape Health Care (TORCH) Commissioning Fund project (the TORCH project), a joint commitment by the community leaders in the Torres and Cape, Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council and the Commonwealth and Queensland governments.

CaTHC Board chairperson Aileen Addo said the incorporation of CaTHC represented a significant step towards “place-based and community-led health initiatives”.

“CaTHC embodies the principles of self-determination and empowerment, granting authority to local place-based leaders to make key decisions about health services,” she said.

“The community leaders of the Torres and Cape are ready to lead a community-controlled health commissioning entity and to listen and share the voice of the Cape and Torres community about their health needs and aspirations.”

Chair Addo said the Board was working quickly to undertake key activities including developing a strategic plan, health needs assessment and a comprehensive whole-of-community engagement approach.

History of CaTHC

In 2021, the TORCH project was established under the Health Innovation Fund by the former Minister for Health, Greg Hunt MP, later supported by Health Minister Mark Butler, as well as support from former Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath MP and current Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman MP, to create an independent regional community-controlled healthcare commissioning entity that plans and purchases health services based on evidence and local community priorities.
The Cape and Torres Health Commissioning Ltd was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee on 1 May 2024.
The CaTHC Board comprises expert directors from various areas of the Torres Strait and Cape regions, including the Outer Islands of the Torres Strait, Thursday Island, Northern Peninsula Area and communities of both Eastern and Western Cape York.