Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) Defined

Quick Definition

An Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that is initiated, based in, and governed by the local Aboriginal community to deliver holistic and culturally safe services.

The Mechanics of an ACCO

To understand this term fully, you must look at the specific structure required to be classified as an ACCO. It is not enough for an organization to simply employ Aboriginal staff or serve Aboriginal clients. It must meet strict governance standards.

According to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, an ACCO must meet the following criteria:

1. Incorporated and Not-for-Profit: The entity must be a registered corporation that reinvests its surplus back into the organization rather than distributing profits to owners.
2. Aboriginal Control: The control of the body must sit with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. This is usually determined by the organization's constitution or rule book.
3. Community Connection: It must be based in a specific community and responsive to the needs of that community.
4. Majority Governance: The governing body (the Board of Directors) must consist of a majority of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

The Principle of Self-Determination

The ACCO model is built on the principle of self-determination. This means that Aboriginal people have the right to own and control the programs and services that affect their lives. This structure moves away from government-run services telling communities what they need. Instead, it allows the community to tell the service providers what is required.

Why This Model Matters

The distinction between a mainstream service and an ACCO is significant in the Australian services sector. Mainstream organizations often struggle to engage effectively with Indigenous communities due to historical factors, lack of trust, or cultural barriers.

ACCOs are important for the following reasons:

• Cultural Safety: Services are delivered in an environment that is spiritually, socially, and emotionally safe. There is no assault, challenge, or denial of a person’s identity.
• Holistic Approach: An ACCO does not usually treat a single issue in isolation. For example, a health service might also assist with housing, financial literacy, or legal issues because these factors all influence health outcomes.
• Trust and Access: Community members are more likely to access services run by their own mob. This leads to earlier intervention and better long-term outcomes.
• Local Employment: These organizations are often major employers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This builds economic independence within the community.

Common Usage and Sectors

While many people associate this term with health, ACCOs operate across a wide variety of sectors. You will find these organizations delivering services in almost every aspect of community life.

Health (ACCHOs)

This is the most well-known sector. An Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) is a specific type of ACCO focused on primary health care. They provide:

• General practice (GP) clinics.
• Chronic disease management.
• Dental and hearing services.
• Mental health support.

Housing

Housing ACCOs manage properties and tenancy for community members. Their goals include:

• Providing affordable rental accommodation.
• Reducing homelessness.
• Assisting with home ownership pathways.

Child and Family Services

These organizations work to keep families together and children safe. They focus on:

• Prevention and early intervention support.
• Foster care placements within the extended family or community (kinship care).
• Family violence support services.

Legal Services

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (ATSILS) provide culturally appropriate legal aid. They help with:

• Criminal law representation.
• Civil and family law advice.
• Prisoner support and advocacy.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Synonyms

• Indigenous Corporation: A broader term for businesses registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act).
• ACCHO: Specifically refers to health organizations within the ACCO framework.
• AMS (Aboriginal Medical Service): An older term often used interchangeably with ACCHO.

Antonyms

• Mainstream Service: A standard service provider available to the general public (e.g., a public hospital or private GP).
• Government-Run Service: Services directly managed by state or federal departments.
• NGO (Non-Government Organization): While ACCOs are NGOs, a standard NGO is not necessarily community-controlled or Indigenous-governed.

Related Concepts

To fully grasp the context of an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO), you should be familiar with these broader concepts:

• Closing the Gap: A national strategy that aims to improve the life outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. ACCOs are the preferred partners for delivering services under this agreement.
• Cultural Competence: The ability of systems and individuals to work effectively with people of different cultures.
• Social Determinants of Health: The non-medical factors that influence health outcomes, such as income, education, and housing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an ACCO and an ACCHO?

An ACCO is the broad term for any community-controlled organization serving Indigenous people across any sector (housing, legal, childcare). An ACCHO is a specific type of ACCO that focuses exclusively on health services. All ACCHOs are ACCOs, but not all ACCOs are ACCHOs.

Who funds these organizations?

They receive funding from a mix of sources. This includes grants from federal, state, and territory governments. They may also generate their own income through Medicare billings (for health services), service fees, philanthropic donations, or commercial activities.

Can non-Indigenous people work at an ACCO?

Yes. While the governance (the Board) must be majority Aboriginal, the staff often includes non-Indigenous professionals. Doctors, nurses, lawyers, and administrators from all backgrounds work in these organizations. However, they must work in a way that respects the cultural authority of the community.

How do I know if an organization is an ACCO?

You can usually tell by checking their "About Us" page or their constitution. Look for statements about community control, an elected Aboriginal Board of Directors, and registration under the CATSI Act. Peak bodies, such as NACCHO (National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation), also maintain lists of member services.

The Critical Role of Community Control

Understanding the Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) model is necessary for anyone working in the Australian policy or service delivery sectors. These organizations represent more than just service providers; they are the practical application of self-determination. By centering governance and control within the community, ACCOs deliver outcomes that mainstream services cannot replicate. Whether in health, housing, or law, supporting this model helps build stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities across the country.

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