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National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
Category:	Policy/Strategy
Date:	31 July 2003
Sub Category:	Policy/Strategy
Place:
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State/Country:	Australia
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Subject Matter:	\| Health and Community Services
URL:	https://web.archive.org/web/20070911171922/http://www.healthconnect.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/Content/health-oatsih-pubs-healthstrategy.htm/$FILE/nsfatsihfinal.pdf
Summary Information:
The National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health was endorsed at the Australian Health Ministers Conference on 31 July 2003 ('the Strategic Framework'). The Strategic Framework followed a consultation process around the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Strategy: Draft for Discussion, released in February 2001. The Strategic Framework builds upon the 1989 National Aboriginal Health Strategy. It is also consistent with, and builds upon, the Framework Agreements on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health.
Detailed Information:
The goal of the Strategic Framework is '[t]o ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples enjoy a healthy life equal to that of the general population that is enriched by a strong living culture, dignity and justice' (NATSIHC 2003, 7). The Strategic Framework 'commits governments to monitoring and implementation within their own jurisdictions, working together at the national level and working across government on joint initiatives between health departments and other portfolios' (NATSIHC 2003, 4). Its key result areas are: 1. Community controlled primary health care services 2. Health system delivery framework 3. A component health workforce 4. Emotional and social well-being 5. Environmental health 6. Wider strategies that impact on health 7. Data, research and evidence 8. Resources and finance 9. Accountability The Strategic Framework is based upon the following principles: - cultural respect; - a holistic approach; - health sector responsibility; - community control of primary health care services; - working together; - localised decision making; - promoting good health; - building the capacity of health services and communities; and - accountability. Implementation of the Strategic Framework is to be carried out by the Australian Health Ministers' Advisory Council.