Australian Indigenous

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission. (2001).
ATSIC health policy.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, Canberra, ACT.

This 18 page policy paper was prepared by ATSIC's National Policy Office and authorised by the ATSIC Board of Commissioners on 14 February, 2001. It comprises two sections. The first section outlines ATSIC's health policy for 2001. It describes briefly:

• the current context in which the policy has been developed
• the administrative framework established to improve health service delivery
• the outcomes ATSIC seek from the current review of the National Aboriginal Health Strategy (NAHS)
• the immediate and future actions that will be necessary to improve the health of Indigenous Australians

The second section provides background information on:

• the historical,social and economic factors that determine the current health status of Indigenous Australians
• the disproportionate burden of ill health suffered by the Indigenous population, as illustrated by various health indicators
• the importance of community-controlled health organisations and Aboriginal health personnel
• the role of the Commonwealth, state and territory governments in the delivery of health care to Indigenous Australians
• ATSIC's advisory role regarding government service delivery to Indigenous Australians.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

The report is available on the ATSIC Internet site in html format or may be downloaded in word or pdf formats

Enquiries about obtaining a copy of this report should be directed to the National Media and Marketing Office; ph: 02 5121 m4951; email: caroline.cooper@atsic.gov.au.

For further information contact Joyce O'Brien at the National Policy Office; ph: (02) 6121 4666; email: joyce.obrien@atsic.gov.au

d'Abbs, P., & MacLean, S. (2000).
Petrol sniffing in Aboriginal communities: a review of interventions.
Cooperative Research Centre fo Aboriginal and Tropical Health, Casuarina, Northern Territory.

This review examines published and unpublished literature that has focused on interventions implemented to combat petrol sniffing in Indigenous communities. The report provides a context for understanding petrol sniffing, asserting that it is often the result of a number of complex causes and contributing factors. The report gives a detailed review of interventions at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, identifying an observation that petrol sniffing has been difficult to eradicate permanently. The report emphasises that successful long-term strategies have had common factors: (1) a strong community resolve and unified action, with active involvement from community members in implementation, and (2) a range of concomitant activities targeting users, the social setting in which use occurs, and the petrol itself.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Enquiries about obtaining a copy of this report should be directed to the Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal and Tropical Health, PO Box 41096, Casuarina, Northern Territory; ph: 08 8922 7861; fax: 08 8927 5187; email: crc-admin@ath.crc.org.au; internet: http://www.crcah.org.au.

Dance, P., Brown, R., & Bammer, G. (2000).
'They'll just read about us in storybooks': estimations of the number of young Indigenous people using illegal drugs in the ACT and Region.
National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra.

This report presents the findings of research conducted on the use of illegal drugs by young Indigenous people in the ACT and Region. The report presents a brief history of drug use amongst Indigenous Australians. Drug and alcohol service providers in the ACT and Region were contacted by the researchers to provide information about the number of young Indigenous people accessing their organisations.

The most parsimonious estimation from the research was that there were 100 or more young Indigenous people using illegal drugs in the ACT and Region. One of the limitations of the research data was that service providers often had to estimate the number of clients and their client base. There may also have been some overlap with the estimations as young Indigenous drug users may access more than one service provider.

The report concluded that there is a need for further drug preventive programs for Indigenous young people, as well as increased access to, and adequate resources for, appropriate treatment. A need for support services for family members of Indigenous drug users was also identified.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Enquiries about obtaining a copy of this report should be directed to the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, M Block, Mills Road, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200; phone: (02) 6249 2378; fax: (02) 6249 0740.

Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Inc. (2001).
Annual report 1999 / 2000 .
Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Inc., Perth.

The annual report of the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service includes brief reports from the President, Director, and the Deputy Director. The achievements and work of the various sections of the health service are also covered. The Specialist Services (Mental Health, Sexual Health Program, Women's Health, Interpreter Service and Diabetes and Heart Health Program) are reviewed.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Enquiries about obtaining a copy of this report should be directed to Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Inc., 156 Wittenoom Street,East Perth, 6004; phone: (08) 9421 3801; fax: (08) 9421 3993;internet: http://www.derbarlyerrigan.com.au/derbarl1.htm

Gray, A. & Boughton, B. (2001).
Education and health behaviour of Indigenous Australians: evidence from the 1994 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Survey (NATSIS).
Cooperative Research Centre fo Aboriginal and Tropical Health, Casuarina, Northern Territory.

Recognising the important link between education and health outcomes, this paper identifies that there has been inadequate research on this issue as it affects Indigenous people living as minorities in First World countries. The report focuses on an analysis of results from the 1994 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Survey, centring on reported actions that respondents had taken in regard to their children's health. The report describes the relationship observed between education and health behaviour, describing that it is a more complex one than initially predicted. The report stresses the importance of augmenting statistical studies with qualititative and ethnographic research, with consultation and input from Indigenous organisations.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Enquiries about obtaining a copy of this report should be directed to the Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal and Tropical Health, PO Box 41096, Casuarina, Northern Territory; ph: 08 8922 7861; fax: 08 8927 5187; email: crc-admin@ath.crc.org.au; internet: http://www.crcah.org.au.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nutrition Working Party. (2000).
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nutrition strategy and action plan, 2000-2010, and first phase activities, 2000-2003 [Draft].
Strategic Inter-Governmental Nutrition Alliance of the National Public Health Partnership.

This report describes the framework for national action developed by the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nutrition Working Party to improve the nutritional status of Indigenous people. The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nutrition strategy and action plan, 2000-2010 is designed to:

• build on existing state and local nutrition programs;
• address gaps in the promotion of good nutrition; and
• ensure national coordination and cooperation across a wide range of agenies, including those in the health, food industry, transport, catering, education and training sectors.

The nutrition strategy reviews various dietary factors that contribute to poor health in Indigenous commuities, and identifies seven key areas for action:

• Food supply in remote and rural communities
• Food security and socioeconomic status
• Family focused nutrition promotion
• Nutrition issues in urban areas
• The environment and household infrastructure
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nutrition Workforce
• National food and nutrition information systems

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nutrition strategy and action plan, 2000-2010 is a key component of the public health nutrition strategy for all Australians, called Eat well Australia.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

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• application of the principle of Aboriginal self-determination;
• building the capacity of the health system to effectively promote Aboriginal health in NSW;
• using guiding principles of better practice integrity; and
• practicality, responsibility and transparency.
  

Last updated: 6 January, 2006