The Implementation Plan Advisory Group (IPAG) My Life My Lead consultations 2017 provided an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and leaders, government and the non-government and private sector to help shape the next Implementation Plan for the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2013-2023. The learnings from the consultations are summarised in My Life My Lead - Opportunities for strengthening approaches to the social determinants and cultural determinants of Indigenous...read more
An array of cumulative risk and stress factors, and social inequities, have contributed to high suicides and family and community dysfunction, in two communities in Queensland. An independent, post-program evaluation of the National Empowerment Project (NEP) Cultural, Social and Emotional Wellbeing (CSEWB) Program specifically developed to address these issues was conducted in Kuranda and Cherbourg communities, Queensland in early 2017. Summaries of 153 stories of most significant change (SMSC) and 30 interviews undertaken with participants...read more
This paper summarises key findings from the six community regional Roundtables that were undertaken as part of the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Evaluation Project. The six community regional Roundtables were held in different locations across the country. Common themes emerging included the need for self-determination and local leadership, the need to consider the social determinants of health, the need to address trauma, the role and impact of incarceration and justice issues...read more
This report is an evaluation of the Aboriginal Mental Health Workers (AMHW) program in remote northern Australia, and highlights the perspectives and experiences of Aboriginal Health Workers. The study included the perspectives of six Aboriginal Mental Health Workers from three sites across northern Australia, in addition to consultation with multiple stakeholders, including clinic managers and non-Indigenous mental health nurses. The AMHW program is a long-standing program which commenced in the Northern Territory in 2001.read more
The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the use of illicit drugs among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia. It provides general information on the context of illicit drug use in Australia and the factors of particular relevance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including the historical context, social context, and other social factors. This review provides detailed information on the extent of illicit drug use among Aboriginal...read more
In 2014–15, around 333,800 people used disability support services under the National Disability Agreement (NDA), including around 1,900 who transitioned to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) during the year. Many (44%) had an intellectual or learning disability, more than half (52%) lived with their families, and close to one-third (30%) of those aged 15 and over were not in the labour force. In 2014–15, 6% of service users were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander...read more
The Commonwealth Government tasked the National Mental Health Commission with conducting a national review of mental health programmes and services. The focus of the review was on assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of programmes and services in supporting individuals experiencing mental ill-health and their families and other support people to lead a contributing life and to engage productively in the community. The final report was provided to the Commonwealth Government on 1 December 2014.read more
Indigenous people are a vulnerable and disadvantaged population whom collectively face much higher levels of health risks and challenges than non-Indigenous people. Indigenous youth in particular represent a population that are at even greater risk, as interaction between socio-economic, geographic, and cultural differences contributes to a lack of opportunity for youth to experience positive outcomes in a school environment. This cumulative disadvantage is problematic as it not only has a negative impact on young person’s...read more
This paper describes a case study of the compliance and reporting requirements of Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative. It demonstrates that on top of the reporting overburden, incredible complexity is introduced when single organisations work across a range of health and community service sectors and consequently have to report in different ways, on different performance criteria, using different databases, for funding from different government programs. The irony is that while co-operatives aim to build their service delivery...read more
Aboriginal communities have a long history of working to address the needs of Aboriginal peoples. Since the first Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (ACCHS) was established in Redfern, NSW in 1971, more than 150 ACCHSs have been established around Australia. While the Aboriginal community controlled health sector has long argued that ACCHSs are a vital part of Australia’s health care system, there has been little in the published literature acknowledging and supporting their roles and...read more
