The Lowitja Institute, Australia’s National Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research, is looking for public backing to obtain funding through June 2014 under the federal government’s Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) program.
“As yet, we have not been able to gain a commitment from the Commonwealth Government to fund us beyond this time,” writes Penelope Smith, Stakeholder Management Officer at the institute, in a widely circulated email.
The Melbourne based Lowitja Institute is an innovative research body that brings together Aboriginal organisations, academic institutions and government agencies to facilitate collaborative, evidence-based research into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health.
The only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research institute is named in honour of its patron, Dr. Lowitja O’Donoghue, AC CBE DSG, named Australian of the Year in 1984 in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the welfare of Aboriginal people.
The institute is governed by an independent board of directors, the majority of whom are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.
In November delegates to their biennial Congress developed a statement in support of the continuation of the Lowitja Institute.
“This statement was supported by those in the final sessions of the second day,” Ms Smith writes.
“A confirmation of your support, would be greatly appreciated and assist us in our continuing discussions with government. If you would be willing to support us, please add your name to the statement.”
Click here for the full statement. It states inter alia: “The Lowitja Institute is Australia’s only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research institute.
“It began as the Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal and Tropical Health based in Darwin in 1997. It then became the CRC for Aboriginal Health and has been able to secure three rounds of funding from the Commonwealth CRC program as a public good CRC.
“This source of funding will cease from 30June 2014 but the need for a national research institute in Aboriginal health funded by the Australian government remains.
“There is currently no commitment for ongoing funding from the Australian government and the Lowitja Institute has been endeavouring to secure private sponsorship to make up this shortfall. While private sponsorship is a valid source of supplementary income it should not be used to replace the obligation of the Australian government to ensure there continues to be a viable, national research institute in Aboriginal health – The Lowitja Institute.”