Aboriginal patients on the North Coast who travel for specialist medical care are getting their money back faster, thanks to a pilot that puts local Aboriginal health services in charge of the funds.
The North Coast Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS)/Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHO) Pilot will be officially launched at the Bulgarr Ngaru Casino Clinic in Canterbury Street on Tuesday, 3 November.
The NSW Government’s existing IPTAAS program is run centrally by NSW Health in Sydney. Under the pilot, the funding is held and managed by participating ACCHOs instead, with the aim of speeding up reimbursements.
The pilot launched in early 2026 and has already received more than 330 applications for transport subsidies.
The average subsidy is about $257, and claims have topped $85,000 so far.
“Travelling for medical care puts a lot of pressure on individuals and families,” said Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation CEO Scott Monaghan.
Subsidies cover private vehicles, public transport, taxis, accommodation, and, in special circumstances, air travel.
Common specialties patients are travelling for include cardiology, diagnostic radiology, paediatrics, and general surgery.
Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation manages the funding for ACCHOs across the region. They are Bullinah Aboriginal Health Service, Galambila Aboriginal Health Service, Werin Aboriginal Corporation Medical Centre, Rekindling the Spirit, and Durri Aboriginal Corporation Medical Service.
Healthy North Coast supports the initiative alongside the ACCHOs, the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (AH&MRC), and NSW Health.
“ACCHOs know their patients the best,” said NSW Ministry of Health Regional Health Division Director Strategy Governance and Delivery Michelle Maxwell.
Aboriginal patients who want to use the pilot should contact their local ACCHO.
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