National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan
Introduction to the NATSIHP (the Health Plan)
The Australian Government is developing a new National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan (the Health Plan) in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their representatives. State and territory governments have been invited to participate.
The Health Plan will support the Government’s efforts to close the gap in life expectancy and infant mortality between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and the broader population. It will recognise that health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is not just the physical wellbeing of the individual, but also encompasses their social, emotional, spiritual and cultural wellbeing.
To develop a comprehensive plan in partnership, the Australian Government is holding a series of nation-wide community consultations and conducting an online submissions process to capture different views and ideas. To provide context and guidance for the consultations and submissions process, the Department has developed a Discussion Paper which seeks responses to a range of questions to help shape the development of the Health Plan.
By attending a consultation or completing a submission, key stakeholders will play an active role in ensuring the Health Plan identifies the key health issues and necessary priorities to further close the gap in health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Discussion Paper
The Department has developed a Discussion Paper to provide context and guidance throughout the consultations and submission process for the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan (the Health Plan).
The Discussion Paper outlines the current state of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and seeks responses to a range of questions related to health system performance and the social determinants of health. The aim of the Discussion Paper is to start a conversation about the development of the Health Plan and important health issues for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The wide range of questions asked throughout the Discussion Paper will help capture different views and ideas. Your views on this Discussion Paper and any other feedback will help shape the development of the health plan so your responses are most welcome.
NATSIHP Discussion Paper
Executive Summary
Make a Submission
Submission Process
The Australian Government invites you to make a submission on the broad health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The submission process provides an opportunity for all points of views in the community to be heard and considered throughout the development of the Health Plan.
To have your say in the development of the Health Plan, please read the Discussion Paper and complete a submission. All comments will be considered by the Department and may be published on the website (unless otherwise indicated). The online submission portal will be available from 11 September 2012 to 20 December 2012.
By completing a submission and responding to these questions, you can help to ensure the Health Plan reflects the key health issues and priorities that matter most to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and communities.
NATSIHP Discussion Paper
Executive Summary
Make a SubmissionTop of Page
Consultations
The Australian Government is holding a series of nation-wide consultations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, communities and groups, health/social determinants service providers, and state and territory governments. The consultations will seek feedback from stakeholders to ensure the Health Plan meets the needs of Indigenous Australians of all ages and from different backgrounds and locations.
At the consultations, participants will have the opportunity to provide their views on the health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through group workshops and public forum. The Discussion Paper will provide participants with context and guidance for the consultations and is available online and also in hard-copy at each of the consultations.
By attending a consultation in your state or territory, you can help to ensure the Health Plan reflects the key health issues and priorities that matter most to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and communities.
If you would like to attend a consultation, please email the Department.
Consultation Schedule Development of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan
| Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Darwin (NT) | Monday, 1 October 2012 | 10:30am up to 2:30pm |
| Alice Springs (NT) | Wednesday, 3 October 2012 | 10:30am up to 2:30pm |
| Maningrida (NT) | Friday, 5 October 2012 | 11:00am up to 3:00pm |
| Canberra (ACT) | Monday, 22 October 2012 | 9:30am up to 1:30pm |
| Launceston (TAS) | Friday, 9 November 2012 | 10:30am up to 2:30pm |
| Melbourne (VIC) | Monday, 12 November 2012 | 10:30am up to 2:30pm |
| Shepparton (VIC) | Tuesday, 13 November 2012 | 10:30am up to 2:30pm |
| Port Augusta (SA) | Wednesday, 14 November 2012 | 10:30am up to 2:30pm |
| Adelaide (SA) | Thursday, 15 November 2012 | 10:30am up to 2:30pm |
| Sydney (NSW) | Monday, 3 December 2012 | 10:30am up to 2:30pm |
| Brisbane (QLD) | Tuesday, 4 December 2012 | 10:30am up to 2:30pm |
| Cairns (QLD) | Wednesday, 5 December 2012 | 10:30am up to 2:30pm |
| Thursday Island (QLD) | Friday, 7 December 2012 | 9:00am up to 1:00pm |
| Broome (WA) | Monday, 10 December 2012 | 11:00am up to 3:00pm |
| Perth (WA) | Tuesday, 11 December 2012 | 10:30am up to 2:30pm |
| Dubbo (NSW) | Thursday, 13 December 2012 | 10:30am up to 2:30pm |
PDF printable version of the Consultation Schedule (PDF 230 KB)Top of Page
Background
On 3 November 2011 Ministers Roxon and Snowdon announced the development of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan (the Health Plan). The Health Plan will support the Government’s efforts to close the gap in life expectancy and infant mortality between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader population.
Development of the Health Plan will be led by the Minister for Indigenous Health. A Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) has been established to guide development of the Health Plan by bringing together government and organisations with expertise in Indigenous health and broader health issues. The SAG is co-Chaired by David Learmonth, Deputy Secretary, Department of Health and Ageing and Ms Jody Broun, co-Chair of National Congress of Australia’s First People.
The Health Plan will replace the National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health which expires in 2013. The Plan will be developed in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The success of the Plan depends on the participation of people and organisations in the community. The development process will allow the opportunity for community views to be heard and considered. Individuals, groups and organisations with an interest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health are invited to participate.
Media Releases
THE HON WARRENSNOWDON MP
Minister for Indigenous Health
Tuesday 11 September 2012
VIEWS SOUGHT ON NATIONAL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER HEALTH PLAN
A discussion paper is being released today for input to a new National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan (NATSIHP).Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, has called for submissions to ensure the health plan reflects the key health issues and priorities that matter most to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and communities.
“A new health plan will guide governments Australia wide over the next decade, in policy making and program design to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” he said.
“The Australian Government has a long standing commitment to partner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to support improvements in health outcomes and other determinants of health. This discussion paper is one way we are engaging.
“Improving the health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is an ongoing challenge for all Australia. A national health plan will set the course for future policy and strengthen the engagement of states and territories,” Mr Snowdon said.
“It will provide a roadmap covering not only health, but also factors which impact health, such as education, employment and early childhood development. The health plan will link with other major health reforms currently under way.”
“By having your say you can help shape the types of health services and how they will be delivered into the future.”
The plan will replace the National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health which expires in 2013.
Consultations begin this month with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in Sydney, followed by a further 16 community consultations in urban, regional and remote areas to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, local health and service providers, and state and territory governments.
The discussion paper, a schedule of consultations and details on attending are above or by phone – (02) 8569 4477.