Renewing the National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Mental Health and Social Emotional Wellbeing
Background
The Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) is leading the renewal of the National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Mental Health and Social Emotional Wellbeing (2004-2009) (the Framework), under Action 7 of the Fourth National Mental Health Plan (2009-2014), which commits all jurisdictions to ‘Lead the development of coordinated actions to implement a renewed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander SEWB Framework’.
Download the National strategic Framework 2004-2009 here
A Working Group has been established to guide the development of the renewed Framework which includes representatives from:
- the Commonwealth, Queensland, Northern Territory and New South Wales governments;
- the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Officials Network (NATSIHON);
- the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO);
- the Chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Advisory Group (ATSIMHAG);
- the National Sorry Day Committee;
- the National Stolen Generation Alliance; and
- an Indigenous mental health consumer and carer.
The SPRC, in partnership with Nulungu Research Institute, has been contracted to undertake the development of the renewed Framework including consulting with key stakeholders. The renewed Framework will seek to:
- Build on the previous Framework, taking into account its successes and addressing any gaps or developments that have occurred since it was published;
- Offer a clear policy framework that will guide current and future social and emotional wellbeing and mental health efforts for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their communities;
- Support alignment across governments and sectors; and
- Support ways to evaluate and inform future efforts around community based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing and mental health activities.
Introduction to the Framework
The Framework was developed in 2004 by the Social Health Reference Group for the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Council and the National Mental Health Working Group.The Framework provided an outline for national action to respond to the high incidence of social and emotional wellbeing problems and mental ill health among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Framework broadens the focus from mental ill health to a wider view of wellbeing and to services which promote positive wellbeing. It was also recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have different sources of strength and vulnerability from other groups in the population and therefore require a specific conceptual framework and a particular policy and service response. The Framework included building on strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and people; increasing access to primary health and early intervention; and improving access to culturally sensitive and relevant services.
The development of the renewed Framework will include consultations with a broad range people from:
- State and Commonwealth Government departments;
- consumers, carers and community leaders;
- Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) and
- other non-government organisations who provide health services.
These consultations are an opportunity to provide input into the development of a renewed Framework and to comment on current issues around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ mental health and social emotional wellbeing.
Discussion paper
A Discussion Paper (PDF) (4 Mb) has been written to provide background information and is aimed at promoting a discussion about the development of a renewed Framework. The Discussion Paper highlights some of the key issues which are relevant to the development of the renewed Framework and some of the developments which have occurred since the previous Framework was issued.
The Discussion Paper also includes a number of questions to assist you with providing feedback. The questions are intentionally broad to encourage discussions and to capture a wide range of views and ideas.
By submitting a response to these questions, or by attending a consultation in your State or Territory, you will help to ensure that the renewed Framework identifies the key issues and action areas necessary to ensure the social and emotional wellbeing needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are addressed and improved.
Submission Process
It is important that the renewed Framework reflects the ideas and thoughts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, and we welcome your feedback and comments on renewing the Framework. Your submission will provide an opportunity for all points of views to be heard and considered throughout the development of the Framework.
To have your say in the development of the Framework you can:
- Read the Discussion Paper (available soon) and complete a submission. All comments will be considered. The online submission portal will be available until 1 April 2013.
- Attend a consultation in a location near you. Locations will be finalised shortly and added to this website.
By completing a submission and responding to these questions, you can help to shape the renewed Framework.
Consultations
The SPRC and Nulungu Research Institute are holding nation-wide consultations. The consultations seek feedback from stakeholders to ensure the renewed Framework meets the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of all ages and from different backgrounds and locations.
Through the consultations, participants will have the opportunity to provide their views on the social and emotional wellbeing needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. If you are planning on attending the consultations, or making a submission, we encourage you to read the Discussion Paper (available soon) to learn more.
By attending a consultation in your state or territory, you can help to ensure the Framework reflects the key issues and priorities that matter most to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and communities.
Locations and dates for the consultations will be finalised soon and added to this website. If you would like to attend a consultation, please email sewb@unsw.edu.au.
Please note that there will be limited capacity at the consultations. For those who are unable to attend a consultation or prefer to make a written submission, we will soon be offering an online form where you can type your responses. This form can also be downloaded and emailed back to sewb@unsw.edu.au. All responses, whether submitted at the consultations or via the website, will be given equal weight.
Key Documents
- National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Mental Health and Social and Emotional Well Being (2004–2009) (PDF) (606 Kb)
- Discussion Paper (PDF) (4 Mb)
Coming soon:
- Document Analysis
- Powerpoint presentation
- Poster
Contact details
Should you require any further information please email sewb@unsw.edu.au