In partnership with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, opposition leader Anthony Albanese has promised if elected to expand the health and care workforce to meet the growing need of communities since the pandemic.

"Labor recognises that the profound gap in First Nations health outcomes will never be closed without extra effort and close engagement with Aboriginal community-controlled health services," he said.

On top of 500 new trainees, the Labor party will deliver up to 30 new dialysis units and double federal funding to help achieve the eradication of rheumatic heart disease with a $12 million investment in prevention, screening and treatment.

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Furthermore, this will include $1.5 million for portable echo-cardio machines and training to support vital screening efforts.

Rheumatic heart disease is a preventable condition which disproportionately affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

The cause of the disease is a bacterial infection of the throat and skin which, without treatment, can result in permanent damage to the heart. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare in 2019 released data showing Indigenous Australians accounted for 95 per cent of rheumatic heart disease cases.

Shadow minister for Indigenous Australian Linda Burney said the pandemic saw Aboriginal health services "work tirelessly to protect the health of their communities".

"Building their workforce through a dedicated, culturally appropriate traineeship program....will save lives and bring us closer to closing the gap in First Nations health outcomes."