Policies and strategies
The links provided in this section relate mostly to policies and strategies for the general Australian population. Indigenous specific information is limited.
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nutrition Strategy and Action Plan 2000-2010 (NATSINSAP)
The NATSINSAP was developed recognising that poor diet is central to the poor health and disproportionate burden of chronic disease experienced by Indigenous Australians. The NATSINSAP sets a framework for action across all levels of government, in conjunction with partners from industry and the non - government sector.
Through the identification of seven priority areas, the NATSINSAP has been designed to build on existing efforts to improve access to nutritious and affordable food across urban, rural and remote communities.
- 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 NATSINSAP was first developed for the Strategic Inter-Governmental Alliance (SIGNAL) and was endorsed by the Australian Health Ministers Conference in August 2001, aligned to the public health nutrition strategy for all Australians, called Eat well Australia . The NATSINSAP remains as relevant and critical today. To progress key areas a NATSINSAP Project Officer, under the guidance of a national Steering Group and Reference Group has been funded by the Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health until October 2008.
Related publications:
- Strategic Inter-Governmental Nutrition Alliance (2001)
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nutrition strategy and action plan 2000-2010 and first phase activities 2000-2003.
View summary (PDF - 608KB)
View report (PDF - 744KB) - Laurence S, Myers J (2008)
NATSINSAP quarterly update, April 2008
Melbourne: National Heart Foundation
View update (PDF - 151KB)
Contact: Sharon Laurence
NATSINSAP National Senior Project Officer
Ph: (03) 9321 1566
Email: Sharon.laurence@heartfoundation.org.au
Other Indigenous
2005
Nganampa Health Council, Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara
Women's Council (2005)
Mai Wiru Regional Stores Policy and associated regulations for the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands, tjungarinkula marpitjanyi everyone going together down the same road, Strategic Implementation Plan
Alice Springs: Nganampa Health Council, Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytajatjara Women's Council
View document: Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing (DOHA), Rural Primary Health Services
View website: Nganampa Health Council
The strategic implementation plan for the Mai Wiru Regional Stores Policy is a comprehensive plan to address the issues of food security, food access (including affordability) and food availability (including range and quality) which form barriers to Anangu health and wellbeing. This Strategic Implementation Plan should be read in conjunction with the Mai Wiru Regional Stores Policy and the Mai Wiru Stores Handbook.
2003
National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (2003)
What's needed to improve child health in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population.
Deakin, ACT: NACCHO
View report: National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation
View website: National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation
This submission by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation highlights priority health issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children up to 15 years of age. Such issues include child growth, hearing loss, immunisation coverage, and social and emotional well-being. This submission refers to lessons from with Australia and international studies involving disadvantaged populations and summarises a number of health disparities between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children, key current policy processes linked with these disparities, and a number of recommendations for urgent action. There are sections relating to the issues of faltered growth, malnutrition and anemia. There is also information on the effectiveness of current nutritional programs and policies, and suggestions for the implementation of nutritional supplement programs and to enhance preventative child health assessments.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Council (2003)
National strategic framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health: framework for action by governments.
Canberra: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Council
View report: Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health (PDF - 350KB)
View website: Australian Government, Department of Health and Ageing
The National Strategic Framework builds on the National Aboriginal Health Strategy (1989) (view Framework and Strategy documents). It draws together nationally agreed strategies to address specific health problems, state and territory policies and plans and the national collaborative policy and planning frameworks within which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health programs are managed. The report details nine principles on which the National Strategic Framework is based and describes three central desired outcomes:
- towards a more effective and responsive health system;
- influencing the health impacts of the non-health sector; and
- providing the infrastructure to improve health status.
The conclusion describes the implementation and evaluation plans and identifies the responsible organisations.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
2001
Office of Aboriginal Health, Nutrition and Physical Activity Program (2001)
Aboriginal food and nutrition policy for Western Australia
Perth: Office of Aboriginal Health and Nutrition and Physical Activity Program, Department of Health
View report: Western Australia. Office of Aboriginal Health (OAH) (PDF - 250KB) (link currently not available)
View website: Western Australia. Office of Aboriginal Health (OAH)
The principles underpinning this policy aim to address a range of problems and are based on the Office of Aboriginal Health's mission ‘to provide for the Aboriginal people of Western Australia quality of life by working in close partnership with Aboriginal communities to ensure they receive culturally appropriate health care'. Overall, the principles are directed at changing dietary practices in line with the Dietary Guidelines for Australians.
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 agencies, including those in the health, food industry, transport, catering, education and training sectors.
2000
Taylor J, Westbury N (2000)
Aboriginal nutrition and the Nyirranggulung health strategy in Jawoyn Country. (Research monograph no.19)
Canberra: Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research
View report: Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research, Australian National University
View website: Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research, Australian National University
The Nyirranggulung Health Strategy lays emphasis on links between improved nutrition and a range of associated initiatives including viable store management
training of Aboriginal staff, the development of food policies, nutrition education in schools, coordination of nutrition interventions between stores, clinics and community
groups, coordination with sports and recreation programs, and revitalisation of hunting and gathering. The strategy adopted a systems analytical approach to the issue of measuring nutrition and health status and identifying the structural impediments to improved outcomes. This based on the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the National Health and Medical Research Council Expert Panel on National Food and Nutrition Monitoring and Surveillance, and is in line with the approach adopted by the Butlin Report on Food and Nutrition Programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people prepared for the Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
General
2007
Department of Health, WA (2007)
Healthy Options WA, Food and Nutrition Policy for WA Health Services and Facilities.
Perth: Department of Health, WA
View report: Department of Health, WA (399KB)
View Operational Directive - Food and Nutrition Policy
View website: Department of Health WA
The Healthy Options WA: Food and Nutrition Policy for WA Health Services and Facilities comes into effect from 1 January 2008. The policy will be implemented in all WA Health services during 2008, with all services required to comply fully with the policy by 31 December 2008.The Policy applies to all services, facilities and establishments owned or leased by WA Health and involved in the provision of prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative services to patients and the general community. This includes all hospitals, community health centres/clinics, rehabilitation services and policy and administration agencies involved in the support and delivery of health services.The document outlines the rationale for the new policy, its aims and objectives, the services to which the policy will apply and the role of WA Health food outlets in its implementation. It also provides details of the nutrient criteria and guidelines for food supply and food categorisation, with special considerations for children and freshly prepared meals.
The new guidelines in the policy apply to all food outlets, vending machines and food sources that are available to staff and visitors in these facilities and under the management of WA Health. This includes:
- cafes and coffee shops
- food outlets and kiosks
- food and drink vending machines
- staff cafeterias and canteens
- ward trolley services for patients and visitors
The document also has a section on how the policy apply to fundraising initiatives, events and prizes, and to catering provided at business functions and meetings.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
A Better Choice Queensland Health (2007)
Healthy Food and Drink Supply Strategy for Queensland Health Facilities (A Better Choice) (2007)
Brisbane: Queensland Health, Queensland Government
View report: Queensland Government, Queensland Health (PDF - 366KB)
View website: Queensland Government, Queensland Health
The overriding goal of A Better Choice Healthy Food and Drink Supply Strategy for Queensland Health Facilities (A Better Choice) is to make healthier choices easier choices by increasing the availability of healthier foods and drinks to Queensland Health staff, visitors and the general public. The strategy provides that this will be achieved through the creation of an environment that actively promotes and provides a greater choice of nutritious food and drinks in all Queensland Health facilities. 'A Better Choice' applies to all situations where food or drinks are provided to staff, visitors and the general public in facilities owned and operated by Queensland Health. Recommendations regarding the supply, display, advertising and placement of foods and drinks are outlined within relevant sections of this document along with information including:
- The nutritional value of food and drinks
- Healthier food and drink choices
- Guidelines outlining application to various food outlets
- Criteria to identify food and drinks that need to be restricted
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
2006
Department of Health and Ageing (2006)
Healthy weight for adults and older Australians: a national action agenda to address overweight and obesity in adults and older Australians, 2006-2010.
Canberra: Department of Health and Ageing
View report: Australian Government, Department of Health and Ageing (PDF - 542KB)
View website: Working together for a Healthy Active Australia, Australian Government
The main goals of The National Action Agenda to Address Overweight and Obesity in Adults and Older Australians are to prevent weight gain at the population level, achieve better management of early risk and to improve management of weight. This Agenda focuses on a four year timeframe for mobilising resources and initiating and implementing of actions — 2006 to 2010. The actions in this Agenda have been selected following the results of extensive national consultations and a literature review. They have been assessed against:
- the potential population impact of the action, defined as the product of the effect
- and the number of people affected.
- the level of certainty of achieving effects, given the available evidence.
Many of the actions proposed in this Agenda are consistent with, and overlap, actions described in other National and State frameworks, plans and strategies. This will reinforce the common goals and pathways for promoting good nutrition, physical activity, healthy weight and preventing chronic disease.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Department of Health and Community Services (2006)
Nutrition and Physical Activity Program Action Plan 2007 - 2012
Casuarina: Northern Territory
View report :Department of Health and Community Services (PDF - 563KB)
View website: Northern Territory Government
The Northern Territory Nutrition and Physical Activity Action Plan 2007-2012 follows on the Northern Territory Food and Nutrition Policy - Action Plan 2001-20061 and continues the practical implementation of the Northern Territory Food and Nutrition Policy 1996 and 5 Year Strategic Vision Improved nutritional status and health of Territorians. The primary target groups for nutrition interventions outlined in this action plan are:
- women of child bearing age
- children under five years
- school aged children
- Indigenous people, particularly in remote communities
Priority areas:
- maternal and child nutrition
- nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- nutrition of children under five years
- nutrition of school aged children
- food supply
- availability, affordability and adequate consumption of core foods in remote communities
- commercial and non-commercial food services
- fruit and vegetable consumption
- participation in regular physical activity
- healthy weight for all
- prevention and management of Chronic Disease
The main role of the NPA team in the implementation of the Nutrition and Physical Activity Action Plan 2006-2011 is in capacity building through:
- training
- support
- communication and networking
- promotion and advocacy
- monitoring and surveillance
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Department of Health, Government of South Australia (2004)
Eat Well South Australia: Public Health Nutrition Action Plan 2006-2008
Department of Health, Government of South Australia
View report: Department of Health, Government of South Australia (PDF - 45KB)
View website: Department of Health, Government of South Australia
Eat Well South Australia is a strategy designed to improve nutrition and reduce the burden of preventable diet-related disease. It provides a framework and plan that identifies priorities for action, both new work and further investment in existing work; provides a basis for developing a state-wide coordinated approach to nutrition promotion that involves government and non-government health and other sectors in collaborative action; guides health and other sector organisations in planning food and nutrition activities; and, supports consistency and links between national and state public health nutrition agendas and action at state, regional and local levels.
Eat Well South Australia aims to:
- take a population health focus that embraces a public health approach and systematic planning of activities
- contribute to reducing health inequalities by focusing on the nutrition-related health needs of disadvantaged groups, including Aboriginal South Australians
- foster partnerships within the health sector and with other sectors and the community
- acknowledge the social determinants of health as well as the relationship between nutrition, physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption on health
- base initiatives on scientific evidence where it exists and contribute to building evidence where it is needed
- recognise that food is more than a source of fuel and nutrients, that it also plays a central role in the community’s social and cultural life
- acknowledge the importance of ecologically sustainable development so that resources are managed to ensure good health for future generations
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
2005
Fresh tastes NSW Healthy School Canteen Strategy (2005)
NSW Department of Education and Training, NSW Government
View strategy info: NSW Department of Education and Training
View report: NSW Department of Education and Training (1.6MB - large file warning!)
View website: NSW Department of Education and Training
The Fresh Tastes NSW Healthy School Canteen Strategy has a purpose to give students across NSW a taste for healthy foods. This policy sets out requirements associated with a government-endorsed approach that assists schools to determine nutritional and healthier types of foods for sale in their canteens.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Healthy Food and Drink Supply Strategy for Queensland Schools
The State of Queensland (Department of Education, Training, and the Arts) (2005)
View strategy info: The State of Queensland (Department of Education, Training, and the Arts)
View website:
The State of Queensland ( Department of Education, Training, and the Arts)
The Healthy Food and Drink Supply Strategy for Queensland Schools aims to address the issue of overweight and obesity in children and young people by focusing on curing the issues of excess energy intake and insufficient physical activity in Queensland schools. The strategy aims to provide healthy food and drink choices to students by addressing all situations where food is supplied in the school environment - tuck shops, vending machines, school excursions, school camps, fundraising, classroom rewards, school events such as celebrations and sports days, and food used in curriculum activities. The implementation of the strategy involved a gradual phase in process to allow schools sufficient time to review their food and drink supply and make necessary changes.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
2003
NSW Health (2003)
Eat Well NSW: strategic directions for public health nutrition 2003-2007.
Sydney: NSW Health
View report: NSW Health (PDF - 1.4MB - large file warning)
View website: NSW Health
Eat Well NSW clearly outlines the health sector priorities for public health nutrition in NSW. The purpose of the document is to guide measurable population
food and nutrition improvements and to provide better health for all people in NSW through effective and focused public health action. The overriding focus of the Eat Well NSW is to promote healthy eating and good nutrition. The public health nutrition priorities identified for action in NSW in 2003-2007 are:
- promoting healthy weight
- promoting increased consumption of vegetables and fruit
- promoting breastfeeding
- achieving improved food security
- achieving effective and sustainable action in public health nutrition
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
National Obesity Taskforce Secretariat (2003)
Healthy Weight 2008. The national action agenda for children and young people and their families.
Canberra: Department of Health and Ageing
Contains information of relevance to all population groups nationally
View report: Australian Government, Department of Health and Ageing (PDF - 260KB)
View website: Australian Government,
Department of Health and Ageing
The primary intention of the four-year action agenda Healthy Weight 2008 is to help Australians enjoy the highest levels of good health in the world by promoting healthy weight. Due to the rising prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity, the initial focus of this strategy will be on children and young people (0-18 years) and the families that influence and support them.
The goals of Healthy Weight 2008 are to:
- Achieve healthier weight in children and young people through actions which first stop and then reverse the increasing rates of overweight and obesity.
- Increase the proportion of children and young people who participate in and maintain healthy eating and adequate physical activity.
- Strengthen children, young people, families and communities with the knowledge, skills, responsibility and resources to achieve optimal weight through healthy eating and active living.
- Address the broader social and environmental determinants of poor nutrition and sedentary lifestyles.
- Focus action on giving children, young people and families the best possible chance to maintain healthy weight through their everyday contacts and settings.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
2002
Queensland Public Health Forum (2002)
Eat Well Queensland 2002-2012: smart eating for a healthier state.
Brisbane: Queensland Public Health Forum
View summary:
Queensland Public Health Forum (PDF - 163KB)
View report: Queensland Public Health Forum (PDF - 492KB)
View website: Queensland Health, Queensland Government
Eat Well Queensland provides the framework for a coordinated Queensland response to Eat Well Australia: An Agenda for Action for Public Health Nutrition 2000–2010 and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nutrition Strategy and Action Plan (NATSINSAP) 2000–2010, which were endorsed by the Australian Health Ministers’ Council in October 2001. Eat Well Queensland supports best practice in the delivery of primary prevention nutrition programs across the State. The strategy considers the wider
foundations of health, including social determinants of health, fiscal and social policy and legislation, knowledge, attitudes, skills and abilities of the community, sustainability and globalisation.
Eat Well Queensland seeks to:
- make an impact on the whole of the population, while reducing health inequalities and raising the health status of disadvantaged groups
- recognise and value the diversity of the Queensland population including Indigenous peoples
- enhance the efforts of all relevant sectors and strategies in a partnership environment
- protect and acknowledge public and consumer interests
- facilitate partnerships based on clear ethics and protocols
- provide for the capacity required to achieve success
- base initiatives on the available scientific evidence, and help develop evidence where it is needed
- recognise that a living, sustainable strategy requires continuing research, innovations, evaluation and renewal
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
2001
National Public Health Partnership (2001)
Eat well Australia. An agenda for action for public health nutrition 2000-2010.
Canberra: National Public Health Partnership
Contains information relating to Indigenous people throughout the document
View summary: National Public Health Partnership (PDF - 620KB)
View report: National Public Health Partnership (PDF - 912KB)
View website: National Public Health Partnership, Australian Government
This report examines the implementation of the Eat Well Australia (EWA) Action Plan. It pertains to a 'partnership' model in the context of current public health policy, practice and structures. EWA combines a series of initiatives in order to provide a dynamic framework for co-operative national action, especially in addressing Indigenous nutrition. Sound nutrition is portrayed as the basis for a healthy life and the prevention of disease, but under-nutrition remains a significant issue for Indigenous people. Nutrition cannot be isolated from other lifestyle issues, because the high burden of diet associated diseases in Indigenous communities poses particular challenges. The national context of nutrition is analysing the WHO's aims to lower the average level of health risks of the whole population by recognising the minority of individuals at greatest risk. EWA aims to improve nutrition and reduce the burden of diet associated disease to better the health of all Australians, by adding investments in public health nutrition and extending existing investments. A ten year framework will engage in monitoring the food and nutrition environment, while supporting innovation and review as part of the implementation process. The report addresses the implementation of EWA and NATSINSAP (National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nutrition Strategy and Action Plan), and its resource environments and policy. The four initiatives entail: steering the implementation of EWA and NATSINSAP; developing nutrition policy; establishing criteria for resource allocation; managing partnerships.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
International
World Health Organization (2004)
Global strategy on diet, physical activity and health.
Geneva: World Health Organization
Presents an international perspective on health risk factors
View report: World Health Organization (PDF - 94KB)
View website: World Health Organization
The global strategy on diet, physical activity and health has a primary objective to promote and protect health by guiding the development of an enabling environment for sustainable actions at individual, community, national and global levels. This in turn will lead to reduced disease and death rates related to unhealthy diet and physical inactivity. These actions support the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.
The four main objectives of the Global strategy on diet, physical activity and health are:
- to reduce the risk of factors for non-communicable diseases that stem from unhealthy diets and physical inactivity
- to increase the overall awareness and understanding of the influences of diet and physical activity on health
- to encourage the development, strengthening and implementation of global, regional, national and community policies and action plans to improve diets and increase physical activity that are sustainable, comprehensive, and actively engage all sectors, including civil society, the private sector and the media
- to monitor scientific data and key influences on diet and physical activity, to support research and evaluation
- strengthen the human resources needed in this domain to enhance and sustain health
The strategies actions will be based on the best available scientific evidence and the cultural context and will be implemented and monitored with WHO’s support and leadership. However, a multisectoral approach that utilises the combined resources and expertise of all global stakeholders will be essential for sustained progress. Changes in patterns of diet and physical activity will be gradual, and national strategies will need a clear plan for long-term and sustained disease-preventive measures. On the other hand, changes in risk factors and in incidence of non communicable diseases may occur quite quickly when effective interventions are made. National plans should therefore also have achievable short-term and intermediate goals.
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