Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet news

Australian Indigenous HealthBulletin Vol 17 Issue 3 now available

Thu, 06 Jul 17 00:00:00 +0000

The July - September 2017 issue of the Australian Indigenous HealthBulletin is now 'in progress' and available online <a href="http://healthbulletin.org.au/" target="_blank">here</a>. The April - June 2017 issue of the HealthBulletin has now closed and can be accessed <a href="http://healthbulletin.org.au/category/issues/vol-17-no-2-april-2017-june-2017" target="_blank">here</a>, or via the HealthBulletin website where previous issues are archived. The HealthBulletin facilitates access to information of relevance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health including information about recent research and resources. For further information about literature and resources, the Bibliography is available <a href="http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/key-resources/bibliography" target="_blank">here</a>. The HealthBulletin is published as four cumulative issues per year. We welcome your assistance and contributions in making the Australian Indigenous HealthBulletin as useful as possible, so please let us know about information and current topics relating to sections of the HealthBulletin. Contributions for the following can be sent by email to: <a href="mailto:healthbulletin@ecu.edu.au" target="_blank">healthbulletin@ecu.edu.au</a>: <ul> <li>Original articles <ul> <li>full reports of significant research (will be peer reviewed)</li> </ul> </li> <li>Reviews <ul> <li>general summaries of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and reviews of specific topics (will be peer reviewed)</li> </ul> </li> <li>Brief reports <ul> <li>brief research reports or summaries of innovative health promotion or disease promotion programs (peer review optional).</li> </ul> </li> </ul> See <a href="http://healthbulletin.org.au/contribute/" target="_blank">here</a> for more details. If you would like to be kept up-to-date and informed on current Indigenous health news and research, you can subscribe to the HealthBulletin. Visit the HealthBulletin website and enter your email address under the 'subscribe' menu to receive updates, or click on 'Get updates via RSS Feed' (Really Simple Syndication) to sign up for emails, or follow us on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/AIHBulletin" target="_blank">@AIHBulletin</a>).

Carbal leads the way for Indigenous health

Tue, 04 Jul 17 00:00:00 +0000

As NAIDOC Week 2017 swings into celebration, Carbal Medical Centre in Warwick (Queensland) is at the front-line, keeping the Indigenous community fighting fit. 'We look after it all here, all health concerns, be they physical, mental, emotional and social,' Mrs Stewart, Clinical Manager, said. She said the main health concern among Warwick's Indigenous population was chronic disease. 'This is something we see a lot of - diabetes, cancer, respiratory problems and renal failure are the main issues,' she said. There is a large team of doctors, nurses, allied health and Aboriginal health workers, Indigenous team care co-ordinators, who can assist with support, care and comfort. There is also a worker whose job is to tackle Indigenous smoking. Carbal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services chief executive officer Brian Hewitt said under the Closing the Gap initiative the Federal Government decided in 2006 the best way to approach Indigenous health was by starting community Indigenous health centres. 'So various Aboriginal Medical Services were developed and Carbal has been hugely successful, so much so we became a company 12 months ago,' Mr Hewitt said. Source: Warwick Daily News

Census 2016: what's changed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?

Thu, 29 Jun 17 00:00:00 +0000

The results of the 2016 Census have been released, which include data about the status of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. You can find some interesting information, provided from The Conversation, from the census below, split into the different categories of: population growth; geography; language; education; income; and housing. <h5>Population growth</h5> The 2016 Census estimated that there are 786,689 Australians who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, an increase of 17.4% from 2011. Indigenous Australians are now estimated to represent 3.3% of the total Australian population, up from 3% in 2011. These figures take into account people who were missed in the count. In terms of the set figure of those who identified of being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin, there were 649,171 people, an increase of 18.4% since 2011. <h5>Geography</h5> The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population increased by the greatest amount in Brisbane, on the New South Wales central and north coast, and Wollongong in Sydney, with these three locations accounting for almost half of the growth (49%) of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of the East Kimberley, Alice Springs and several other remote regions appeared to decline slightly. <h5>Language</h5> In 2016, the number of people speaking an Australian Indigenous language at home increased by a small amount, from 60,550 in 2011 to 63,754. However there was a decline in the proportion speaking an Australian Indigenous language, from 11.8% in 2011, to 10.5% in 2016. <h5>Education</h5> Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are getting into the education system earlier and staying for longer. Early childhood education rates have increased, with the percentage of three-five year olds who aren't already in primary school that were attending pre-school is up from 43.5% in 2011, to 48.5% in 2016. At the secondary school level, 59.7% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15-18 were attending school, up from 51.2% in 2011. The growth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 or more who have completed year 12 has risen from 28% in 2011 to 34.6% in 2016. The proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 15-25 year olds undertaking tertiary education appears also to have grown. In 2016, 16.2% of this cohort who were not at secondary school were studying for a tertiary qualification, increased from 14.1% in 2011. There has also been a growth in university attendance, at 8.5% in 2016, up from 5.8% in 2011. <h5>Income</h5> Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are earning more on average in 2016 than 2011. Real median personal pre-tax income is up from A$397 in 2011 to A$441 in 2016. While the growth in incomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people outpaced that of the rest of the population, on average they still receive a personal income that is only two-thirds that of the non-Indigenous population. <h5>Housing</h5> Home ownership rates among households with at least one Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander resident have increased slightly from 37.4% to 39.6%. Households with a resident who identifies as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander are also slightly less likely to be overcrowded than in the past. Source: The Conversation AU

New eBook now available on illicit drug use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Thu, 22 Jun 17 00:00:00 +0000

The Australian Indigenous Alcohol and Other Drug Knowledge Centre (the Knowledge Centre) have launched a <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/illicit-drug-use/id1226941831?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4" target="_blank">new eBook</a>, which focuses on illicit drug use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Based on the 2016 <a href="http://www.aodknowledgecentre.net.au/aodkc/illicit-drug-use/reviews/illicit-drug-use-review" target="_blank">Review of illicit drug use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people</a>, the team from the Knowledge Centre hopes that the electronic version will be a good learning tool for those in the AOD sector. Illicit drug use is an issue of concern to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Australians, and this eBook provides a comprehensive synthesis of information for those involved in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet Director, Professor Neil Drew, says 'This is our second eBook as we continue to expand our suite of digital tools and new platforms to deliver knowledge and information to the sector. The eBook is a tactile, sensory tool which provides multiple ways of utilising the latest technology to assist learning about this important topic. We received positive feedback from stakeholders to the first eBook and know that there is a need for a resource of this kind.' The eBook has been created for Apple devices such as iPads, iPhones, laptops and desktop computers. It is free to download from iTunes, or the Knowledge Centre website <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/illicit-drug-use/id1226941831?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4" target="_blank">here</a>. In addition, an accompanying infographic has been developed, which is also available on the Knowledge Centre website <a href="http://www.aodknowledgecentre.net.au/aodkc/key-resources/health-promotion-resources?lid=33271" target="_blank">here</a>.

Streamlined support for Aboriginal Community Health Services

Wed, 21 Jun 17 00:00:00 +0000

Federal Indigenous Health Minister, Ken Wyatt, has announced a new Network Funding Agreement, which will streamline the provision of $20 million a year in health service support through the National Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Organisation (NACCHO). The unified funding arrangements will enable the Commonwealth to work better with Australia's peak Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community health organisation. 'This is fundamental to the Turnbull Government’s policy of partnership, our commitment to doing things with, not to, the Indigenous community,' said Minister Wyatt. 'Under the agreement, NACCHO will receive the funding and will form a collaborative network with its state and territory counterpart organisations to finance and support local health services.' Minister Wyatt said the agreement was focused on outcomes, allowing service funding to be administered through an Aboriginal-controlled agency. 'We know that strong, Aboriginal-administered care plays a pivotal role in improving health outcomes, but it can face challenges supplying services on the ground,' he said. 'This new approach will allow service providers to access the assistance they need to enable them to deliver crucial, quality care to their clients.' Minister Wyatt said the new network would also ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices were heard clearly at all levels of health administration. Source: Department of Health

AOD Knowledge Survey: update on prize winner and results

Thu, 08 Jun 17 00:00:00 +0000

The Australian Indigenous Alcohol and Other Drugs Knowledge Centre would like to thank all of those who took part in our biannual Knowledge Centre survey. We received a significant amount of responses to the survey, and were really pleased with the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander representation in the respondents. We'd also like to announce the winner of the survey prize as Maggie Kirby, congratulations Maggie! The data captured by the survey will be used to inform the future development of the Knowledge Centre, and also guide us as we move towards turning the site into responsive design. Please stay tuned over the next financial year, as there are exciting developments ahead. We really appreciate the continued support of the Knowledge Centre, and hope you'll continue to find our web resource a useful support for you in your work.

2017 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health performance framework report released

Tue, 30 May 17 00:00:00 +0000

The Minister for Indigenous Health, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, has launched the 2017 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health performance framework report. Beginning in 2006, and now in its sixth edition, the Health performance framework monitors progress in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes, health system performance and the broader determinants of health. The Health performance framework has been developed under the auspices of the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council (AHMAC) and is the authoritative evidence-base for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Minister Wyatt said the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health performance framework 2017 report shows some positive results in health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people but the harsh reality is that there is still a long way to go. 'While the government continues to invest substantially and works closely with communities in a wide range of Indigenous health programs and interventions that aim to improve Indigenous health and wellbeing, considerable challenges remain,' he said. 'Addressing these challenges requires a whole of health system response and a concerted effort from all levels of government.' The supplementary detailed statistical analysis (dynamic data displays with interactive charts and online tables), is available on the <a href="http://www.aihw.gov.au/indigenous-data/health-performance-framework/" target="_blank">Australian Institute of Health and Welfare website</a>. Source: Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

What is National Reconciliation Week?

Sat, 27 May 17 00:00:00 +0000

Each year National Reconciliation Week (NRW) celebrates and builds on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians. The dates that bookend the week are significant milestones in the reconciliation journey. May 27 marks the anniversary of Australia’s most successful referendum and a defining event in our nation’s history. The 1967 referendum saw over 90% of Australians vote to give the Commonwealth the power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and recognise them in the national census. June 3 commemorates the High Court of Australia’s landmark Mabo decision in 1992, which legally recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a special relationship to the land - a relationship that existed prior to colonalisation and still exists today. This recognition paved the way for land rights or Native Title. The theme for NRW 2017 is Let's take the next steps and all Australians are invited to participate in our nation’s reconciliation journey. Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of us all as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples. Make reconciliation part of your story and your future by getting involved in some of the National Reconciliation Week (NRW) activities suggested <a href="http://www.reconciliation.org.au/nrw/get-involved/">here</a>. Source: Reconciliation Australia

Today is National Sorry Day 2017

Fri, 26 May 17 00:00:00 +0000

Today is National Sorry Day 2017 and events are taking place all over Australia to commemorate the Stolen Generations. Some of the events can be viewed below: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/kiama-council-sorry-day-2017-commemoration-tickets-33034839093?aff=es2" target="_blank">Kiama Council Sorry Day 2017</a> - Kiama, New South Wales (NSW)</li> <li><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/sorry-day-2017-tickets-34451141291?aff=es2" target="_blank">La Trobe University Sorry Day 2017</a> - Shepparton, Victoria (Vic)</li> <li><a href="http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/key-resources/conferences?cid=3240" target="_blank">National Sorry Day 2017</a> - Morwell, Vic</li> <li><a href="http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/key-resources/conferences?cid=3234" target="_blank">National Sorry Day 2017</a> - Purfleet, NSW</li> <li><a href="http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/key-resources/conferences?cid=3226" target="_blank">National Sorry Day 2017</a> - Jingili, Northern Territory</li> <li><a href="http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/key-resources/conferences?cid=3225" target="_blank">Link-Up Queensland Sorry Day Event </a>- Brisbane, Queensland</li> <li><a href="http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/key-resources/conferences?cid=3218" target="_blank">Sorry Day Concert</a> - Perth, Western Australia</li> <li><a href="http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/key-resources/conferences?cid=3220" target="_blank">VAHS National Sorry Day Event</a> - Melbourne, Vic</li> <li><a href="http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/key-resources/conferences?cid=3212" target="_blank">National Sorry Day 2017</a> - Sydney, NSW</li> <li><a href="http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/key-resources/conferences?cid=3211" target="_blank">City of Ballarat - Youth Services Brining Them Home Forum</a> - Mount Clear, Vic</li> <li><a href="http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/key-resources/conferences?cid=3210" target="_blank">20th Bringing Them Home Event</a> - Mittagon, NSW</li> <li><a href="http://www.yarning.org.au/event/2162" target="_blank">National Sorry Day Bridge Walk </a>- Canberra, Australian Capital Territory.</li> </ul> <div>Other events can be viewed at <a href="http://www.reconciliation.org.au/nrw/major-events/" target="_blank">Reconciliation Australia</a> and <a href="http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/key-resources/conferences">Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet Conferences, workshops and events</a>.</div>

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders meet for historic summit

Thu, 25 May 17 00:00:00 +0000

Hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders have gathered in central Australia for a historic summit on formally recognising Australia's first people. The summit aims to reach consensus on the best method of recognition. More than 200 delegates from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups around Australia are attending the First Nations Convention, which will form the basis of a report to be delivered to the nation's political leaders in June. The recommendations may result in a referendum to be voted on by all Australians. It is expected to discuss whether recognition should be included in the constitution or covered separately. Alternatives likely to be floated include the possibility of negotiating a treaty, and removing clauses criticised as racist from Australia's founding document. Source: BBC

Australian Government announces $138m Indigenous education package

Wed, 24 May 17 00:00:00 +0000

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum, the Australian Government has announced a $138 million Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education package. The package includes investments in scholarships, positive engagement in school and in academic success. It also assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to study and secure jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The fund will additionally support the development of a STEM academy for girls to inspire a future generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women into STEM jobs. The announcement today honours the spirit and determination of those who campaigned for the successful 1967 referendum, and aims to further enable the social and economic inclusion for which they fought. A breakdown of the package is available via the links below. Source: Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet

Bringing Them Home 20th anniversary

Tue, 23 May 17 00:00:00 +0000

This Friday marks a very important anniversary for Stolen Generations members and their families. It will be 20 years since the Bringing them home report was tabled in Federal Parliament. This was incredibly significant for Stolen Generations members, and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, as it was the first time this tragic chapter of Australia's history was presented in such a way. The Healing Foundation has been coordinating commemorative activities around the 20th anniversary of the Bringing them home report under the banner #BTH20. #BTH20 was officially launched at the Sydney Opera House on 27 April. This special event brought Stolen Generations members, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders leaders, government and corporate representatives together for a morning of formalities, story sharing and reunions. It was an incredibly emotional day and marked the start of a month of commemorations for #BTH20. At the launch, the Healing Foundation also called for urgent action to address the impacts of unresolved trauma and announced initiatives to generate greater awareness of Stolen Generations issues in schools and communities. Healing Foundation Chair, Steve Larkin, said while some progress has been made, there are still many Stolen Generations members battling with emotional scars because they have not been able to heal. 'Most of the problems we see in communities today, including rising suicide rates and higher levels of incarceration, can be linked to the intergenerational trauma caused by forcibly removing tens of thousands of children from their families, over a period of 70 years,' Mr Larkin said. 'This isn't just about acknowledging issues from the past. We need to get this right for the future because we’ve already created a much bigger problem for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the broader Australian community.' A more detailed report will be presented at Parliament House in Canberra this week, ahead of the anniversary on Friday, 26 May. For more information about #BTH20 visit the <a href="http://healingfoundation.org.au/" target="_blank">Healing Foundation</a>. <img src="/uploads/images/BTH_20yrs_www.jamesphoto.com.au-19.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="400" /> Image: Stolen Generations members Michael Welsh and Isabel Reid at the #BTH20 launch. Credit: Healing Foundation. Source: The Healing Foundation

April issue of the HealthInfoNet Director's Communique now available

Thu, 11 May 17 00:00:00 +0000

The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet is pleased to announce the release of a new edition of our quarterly news publication, the April Director's Communique. This edition of the Communique contains news and information about: <ul> <li>Perth AOD Roundtable</li> <li>the Overview of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health 2016</li> <li>Neil Thomson scholarship recipient</li> <li>enhanced eye health resources launched</li> <li>Tackling Indigenous Smoking workshops</li> <li>Aboriginal Trainee Program and staff development.</li> </ul> Feedback is most welcome, and we encourage you to share the Communique with your networks to ensure that the richness of our comprehensive, free web resource is fully utilised to support your efforts in helping to 'close the gap' in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. To view the Communique, please refer to the links below.

Budget 2017-18: information of relevance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health

Wed, 10 May 17 00:00:00 +0000

To assist you in finding Budget information on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet has made the task easier for you. You can find all of the information and links to full resources on the <a href="http://healthbulletin.org.au/articles/budget-2017-18-information-of-relevance-to-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-health/" target="_blank">HealthBulletin</a>. Links to media releases will continue to be added during the rest of the week as they become available so please check back for additions. <hr /> Federal Treasurer, Scott Morrison, delivered his second Australian Government Budget on Tuesday evening, 9 May 2017. The following links provide information on the Budget and its implications for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Australian Government Budget details: <a href="http://www.budget.gov.au/" target="_blank">View website: Australian Government Budget 2017-18</a> <a href="http://www.budget.gov.au/2017-18/content/bp1/download/bp1_bs6.pdf" target="_blank">View Australian Government Budget 2017-18 Paper 1, Budget strategy and outlook, Statement 6: Expenses and net capital investment</a> <a href="http://www.budget.gov.au/2017-18/content/bp3/download/bp3_03_part_2b.pdf" target="_blank">View Australian Government Budget 2017-18 Paper 3, Federal financial relations, Part 2: Payments for specific purposes: Health</a> <a href="http://www.health.gov.au/internet/budget/publishing.nsf/content/2017-2018_Health_PBS" target="_blank">View information: Australian Government Budget 2017-18, Portfolio budget statements: Health portfolio</a> <a href="http://www.health.gov.au/internet/budget/publishing.nsf/Content/2017-2018_Health_PBS_sup1/$File/2017-18_Health_PBS_2.02_Outcome_2.pdf" target="_blank">View Australian Government Budget 2017-18, Health Portfolio: Outcome 2 – Health access and support services </a>(Program 2.2 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, page 60 and Table 2.2.3: Performance Criteria for Program 2.2, pages 65, 66 and 67) <a href="https://infrastructure.gov.au/department/statements/2017_2018/ministerial-statement/" target="_blank">View Australian Government Budget 2017-18, Ministerial statements: Regional Australia—Driving Our Economy 2017–18 </a><a href="https://infrastructure.gov.au/department/statements/2017_2018/ministerial-statement/health.aspx" target="_blank">View Australian Government Budget 2017-18, Ministerial statements: Regional Australia—Driving Our Economy 2017–18: Health </a><a href="https://www.humanservices.gov.au/corporate/budget/budget-2017-18?from=budget-home" target="_blank">View Australian Government Budget 2017-18 Budget measure, Department of Human Services </a><a href="https://www.humanservices.gov.au/sites/default/files/2017/05/71-budget-2017-18-improving-access-to-medicines_2.pdf" target="_blank">(Improving Access to Medicines — maintaining Remote Area Aboriginal Health Services pharmaceutical dispensing) </a><a href="https://www.dss.gov.au/about-the-department/publications-articles/corporate-publications/budget-and-additional-estimates-statements/budget-2017/portfolio-budget-statements-2017-18-budget-related-paper-no-115a" target="_blank">View Australian Government Budget 2017-18, Department of Social Services Budget statements </a><a href="https://www.dss.gov.au/about-the-department/publications-articles/corporate-publications/budget-and-additional-estimates-statements/budget-2017-18" target="_blank">View Australian Government Budget 2017-18, Department of Social Services</a><a href="https://www.humanservices.gov.au/corporate/budget/budget-2017-18?from=budget-home" target="_blank"> </a> Department for Prime Minister and Cabinet: More detailed information on various components of Indigenous expenditure is available from the Department for Prime Minister and Cabinet. Department for Prime Minister and Cabinet <a href="https://www.dpmc.gov.au/resource-centre/pmc/portfolio-budget-statements-2017-2018" target="_blank">View Portfolio Budget statements 2017-18</a> <a href="https://www.dpmc.gov.au/sites/default/files/publications/2017-18-pmc-portfolio-budget-statements_0.pdf" target="_blank">Statements: Department for Prime Minister and Cabinet</a> (Outcome 2, page 30) For information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health: The Overview of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health status provides information about: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations; the context of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health; various measures of population health status; selected health conditions; and health risk factors. <a href="http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/health-facts/overviews" target="_blank">View Overview: Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet</a> Further information: <ul> <li>Investing in a healthy Australia <a href="https://nacchocommunique.com/2017/05/10/naccho-aboriginal-healthbudget17-budget2017-are-we-investing-enough-in-healthyfutures-to-closethegap/">View news item: NACCHO</a> (10 May 2017)</li> <li>Pharmacy wins a budget boost <a href="https://ajp.com.au/news/pharmacy-wins-budget-boost/">View news item: Australian Journal of Pharmacy</a> (10 May 2017)</li> <li>Reactions to the 2017 Budget: rolling coverage <a href="https://croakey.org/reactions-to-the-2017-18-budget-rolling-coverage/">View news: Croakey</a> (10 May 2017)</li> <li>Farewell freeze - Government wins back goodwill with positive health measures <a href="https://ama.com.au/media/farewell-freeze-%E2%80%93-government-wins-back-goodwill-positive-health-measures">View news item: AMA </a>(9 May 2017)</li> <li>Federal Budget 2017: What it means for Indigenous Australians <a href="http://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/nitv-news/article/2017/05/09/federal-budget-2017-what-it-means-indigenous-australians">View news item: NITV </a>(9 May 2017)</li> <li>Federal budget 2017: Aboriginal people exposed to British nuclear testing to receive improved health care <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/story-streams/federal-budget-2017/2017-05-09/federal-budget-2017-nuclear-test-affected-get-health-care-boost/8509134">View news item: ABC</a> (9 May 2017)</li> <li>Health sector feels the warmth in Budget 2017, but rural health still needs some extra layers <a href="http://www.rdaa.com.au/sites/default/files/public/Media%20reaction%20--%20Budget%202017%20--%20May%202017.pdf">View media release: Rural Doctors Association of Australia</a> (9 May 2017)</li> <li>Budget 2017-18 recognises the need to restore funding to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal services, but there is still a long way to go <a href="http://www.natsils.org.au/portals/natsils/NEW%20MEDIA%20RELEASE.pdf?ver=2017-05-09-214101-590">View media release: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (NATSILS)</a> (9 May 2017)</li> <li>'Medicine' budget - not a health budget: where is the investment on tackling obesity, tobacco and alcohol? <a href="https://www.phaa.net.au/documents/item/2116">View media release: PHAA</a> (9 May 2017)</li> </ul>

Public consultation now open for the revised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research ethics guidelines

Tue, 09 May 17 00:00:00 +0000

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has released two guidelines for public consultation, and welcomes feedback from interested parties. The two guidelines which have been reviewed are: <ul> <li><a href="http://healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/key-resources/practice-resources/?lid=3941" target="_blank">Values and ethics: guidelines for ethical conduct in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health research 2003</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/key-resources/promotion-resources?lid=1455" target="_blank">Keeping research on track: a guide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples about health research ethics</a>.</li> </ul> The revised guidelines up for consultation are: <ul> <li><a href="https://consultations.nhmrc.gov.au/files/consultations/drafts/ethicalconductinresearchwithatsipeoplesandcommunities.pdf" target="_blank">Ethical conduct in research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities: guidelines for researchers and stakeholders</a></li> <li><a href="https://consultations.nhmrc.gov.au/files/consultations/drafts/keeping-research-track-ii.pdf" target="_blank">Keeping research on track II</a>.</li> </ul> Ethical conduct in research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities: guidelines for researchers and stakeholders provides information about designing and conducting ethical and culturally appropriate research and is primarily for use by researchers and Human Research Ethics Committees. Keeping research on track II is primarily for use by research participants and communities, and provides information on how to apply and demonstrate the six core values as outlined in Ethical conduct in research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities: guidelines for researchers and stakeholders. The closing date for submissions is 11:59pm (AEST) Friday 7 July 2017. Interested parties can make a submission <a href="https://consultations.nhmrc.gov.au/public_consultations/atsi-reg" target="_blank">here</a>, or via the links below.

Survey of the Australian Indigenous Alcohol and Other Drugs Knowledge Centre now open

Mon, 08 May 17 00:00:00 +0000

The Australian Indigenous Alcohol and Other Drugs Knowledge Centre (the Knowledge Centre) is conducting a biannual online evaluation of our web resource by running a national user survey. The survey will provide the Knowledge Centre with valuable feedback that will be used to ensure that we continue to deliver a resource that meets the needs of our users, and gauge if our new resources are useful tools. The survey will take 5-10 minutes to complete. As a token of our appreciation for taking part, participants may choose to submit an entry for the prize draw of either a $350 gift voucher or an iPad Mini 2. If you complete the survey within the first week of it opening (by 5pm WST Friday 12 May 2017), your name will go into the draw twice. The survey will run from Monday 8 May to Friday 26 May 2017. To participate, please click <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AODKCSurveyMay17" target="_blank">here</a>, or refer to the links below. If you have any comments or queries about the survey, please contact a member of the Knowledge Centre team.

New portal helping to reduce tobacco smoking among pregnant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women

Mon, 01 May 17 00:00:00 +0000

The Preventing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Maternal Smoking (PATSIMS) portal is designed to improve access to information, resources, support and training for health professionals addressing tobacco smoking among pregnant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, new mothers, and their families. Previously called the Preventing Aboriginal Maternal Smoking in WA (PAMSWA) portal, the new-look PATSIMS will have a national focus, but still retain all the same valuable tools, resources and information. The portal is located on the <a href="http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/population-groups/preventing-maternal-smoking" target="_blank">Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet web resource</a>. Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet Director, Professor Neil Drew, said 'We previously had a smoking cessation portal specifically for WA (PAMSWA) and are delighted that with funding from the Australian Department of Health we now have the opportunity to expand the resource nationally. Addressing maternal smoking is vital to the future health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.' The portal provides high quality, culturally appropriate information for individuals, communities and practitioners including: policies and strategies, publications, health promotion and practice resources, programs and projects, organisations and workforce information such as courses, conferences, workshops and events, funding and job opportunities. The portal will be a valuable resource for the maternal and child health workforce, the tobacco control workforce and other practitioners, clinicians and health workers who work with pregnant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, new mothers, and their families. A major focus of the new PATSIMS will be the workshop program. Opportunities will be available nationally over the next 12 months for maternal and child health workers and others working with this target group, to obtain hands-on training in how to make the best use of the resource. The online Yarning Place, regular newsletters, Twitter and other social media will also help to keep the workforce connected.

My Life, My Lead consultation inviting submissions on the social and cultural determinants of health

Fri, 21 Apr 17 00:00:00 +0000

The Department of Health is inviting submissions from organisations and individuals on the social and cultural determinants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. According to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health performance framework 2014, between one-third and one-half of the health gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous people is attributable to differences in social determinants of health. These include (but are not limited to): <ul> <li>connection to family, community, country, language and culture</li> <li>racism</li> <li>early childhood development, education and youth</li> <li>employment and income</li> <li>housing, environment and infrastructure</li> <li>interaction with government systems and services</li> <li>law and justice</li> <li>health choices</li> <li>food security.</li> </ul> The Department is seeking submissions from organisations who will be able to comment on one or more of the social and cultural determinants above. Key questions focused on will be: <ul> <li>Experiences, ideas and evidence? (on each of these determinants)</li> <li>What are your key recommendations? What needs to happen?</li> <li>References: if there is a website, published paper, trial or evaluation that shows the impact of your recommendation?</li> </ul> The submission closes Friday 5 May 2017. Source: Department of Health

Service delivery in Queensland's remote and discrete Indigenous communities

Fri, 21 Apr 17 00:00:00 +0000

The Queensland (Qld) Government has opened an inquiry into service delivery in remote and discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the state. Investments by governments, the private sector and not for profit organisations significantly affect the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Qld's remote and discrete communities. The inquiry aims to understand what works well, and why, to improve outcomes for all remote and discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The inquiry will look at: <ul> <li>what the Qld Government currently spends on services and what is delivered on the ground</li> <li>better ways to deliver existing government services and manage, coordinate and target services</li> <li>how the Qld Government can improve services</li> <li>the best ways to evaluate services delivered in communities.</li> </ul> The Qld Government is asking for contributions from community members, leaders, people and organisations who deliver services into remote and discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. There is a number of ways to contribute, including community meetings, roundtables at different locations across the state, and two rounds of formal written submissions. Submissions close Friday 2 June 2017. For more information on how to contribute, please refer to the links below. Source: Queensland Productivity Commission

Australian Indigenous HealthBulletin Vol 17 Issue 2 now available

Thu, 13 Apr 17 00:00:00 +0000

The April - June 2017 issue of the Australian Indigenous HealthBulletin is now 'in progress' and available online <a href="http://healthbulletin.org.au/" target="_blank">here</a>. The January - March 2017 issue of the HealthBulletin has now closed and can be accessed <a href="http://healthbulletin.org.au/category/issues/vol-17-no-1-january-2017-march-2017" target="_blank">here</a>, or via the HealthBulletin website where previous issues are archived.  The HealthBulletin facilitates access to information of relevance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health including information about recent research and resources. For further information about literature and resources, the Bibliography is available <a href="http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/key-resources/bibliography" target="_blank">here</a>. The HealthBulletin is published as four cumulative issues per year. We welcome your assistance and contributions in making the Australian Indigenous HealthBulletin as useful as possible, so please let us know about information and current topics relating to sections of the HealthBulletin. Contributions for the following can be sent by email to: <a href="mailto:healthbulletin@ecu.edu.au" target="_blank">healthbulletin@ecu.edu.au</a>: <ul> <li>Original articles <ul> <li>full reports of significant research (will be peer reviewed)</li> </ul> </li> <li>Reviews <ul> <li>general summaries of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and reviews of specific topics (will be peer reviewed)</li> </ul> </li> <li>Brief reports <ul> <li>brief research reports or summaries of innovative health promotion or disease promotion programs (peer review optional).</li> </ul> </li> </ul> See <a href="http://healthbulletin.org.au/contribute/" target="_blank">here</a> for more details. If you would like to be kept up-to-date and informed on current Indigenous health news and research, you can subscribe to the HealthBulletin. Visit the HealthBulletin website and enter your email address under the 'subscribe' menu to receive updates, or click on ‘Get updates via RSS Feed’ (Really Simple Syndication) to sign up for emails, or follow us on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/AIHBulletin" target="_blank">@AIHBulletin</a>).