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Policy documents
at a State and National Level

National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Mental Health and Social and Emotional Well Being Framework 2004-2009
This framework is a five year plan to guide improvements in mental health and social and emotional well being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This group experience higher rates of both social and emotional well-being problems and some mental disorders than other Australians. They also experience reduced access to community based mental health care that is sensitive to their specific needs. Mental health problems include crisis reactions, anxiety states, depression, post traumatic stress, self harm and psychosis.
The nine guiding principles for the Framework have been extracted from Ways Forward (Swan & Raphael, 1995). This framework sits within the implementation processes for two documents:
• The National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health (NATSIHC) provides for a whole-of-government response to health issues, including a particular focus on social and emotional well-being;
• The National Mental Health Plan 2003-2008 (NMHWG, 2003) provides a framework for national action to improve mental health care over the next five years, increased access to services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples.
Social and Emotional Well Being Framework (PDF)
Source

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nutrition Strategy and Action Plan 2000-2010
Inadequate nutrition places Indigenous people at a greater risk of poor health and the development of chronic diseases. Access to nutritious and affordable food is a significant issue for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly for those living in remote areas where food availability, transport and storage are critical factors. The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nutrition Strategy and Action Plan 2000-2010 (NATSINSAP) aims to facilitate a coordinated approach to Indigenous public health nutrition across the nation. The Strategy emphasizes seven key areas for action including food supply in rural and remote communities, family-focused nutrition promotion and national food and nutrition information systems. It forms an integral part of the broader public health nutrition strategy Eat Well Australia 2000-2010, produced through the National Public Health Partnerships’ Strategic InterGovernmental Nutrition Alliance.
Source: Department of Health and Ageing. (2005). Australian Government Directory of Services for Older People. Australian Government; Canberra. pg 107.

Preventable Chronic Diseases Framework
This framework focuses on the early detection and management of chronic diseases in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The framework is developing strategies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to adopt, for the early detection of chronic diseases and better management of these diseases when they do develop.
Website
Source: Department of Health and Ageing. (2005). Australian Government Directory of Services for Older People. Australian Government; Canberra. pg 107.

NSW Aboriginal Chronic Conditions Area Health Service Standards
These Standards have been developed by NSW Health in partnership with the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW to facilitate improved Aboriginal health outcomes by increasing the accessibility and appropriateness of health services for the prevention and management of chronic conditions in Aboriginal people. These Standards have been developed in response to the disproportionately high rate of chronic conditions among Aboriginal peoples.
Aboriginal Chronic Conditions Area Health Service Standards
Source Health Insite website

NSW Aboriginal Health Promotion Program
This program outlines some of the issues that need to be considered when promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s health and well-being, while focussing on opportunities for developing more effective approaches including best practise suggestions.
NSW Aboriginal Health Promotion Program
Source:NSW Health Health concerns - Aboriginal health

Aboriginal Health Partnership Committee - Hunter New England Health
The Committee is responsible for advising and making recommendations on strategic planning, including future health service development, health improvement strategies and health outcome research, implementation and evaluation. It is also responsible for maintaining the effectiveness of these partnerships as well as community engagement
Aboriginal Health Partnership Committee website