Renewing the National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Mental Health and Social Emotional Wellbeing
- Background
- Introduction to the Framework
- Discussion paper
- Submission Process
- Consultations
- Key documents
- Contact details
Background
The Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) is leading the renewal of the National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Mental Health and Social Emotional Wellbeing (2004-2009) (the Framework), under Action 7 of the Fourth National Mental Health Plan (2009-2014), which commits all jurisdictions to ‘Lead the development of coordinated actions to implement a renewed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander SEWB Framework’.
A Working Group has been established to guide the development of the renewed Framework which includes representatives from:
- the Commonwealth, Queensland, Northern Territory and New South Wales governments;
- the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Officials Network (NATSIHON);
- the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO);
- the Chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Advisory Group (ATSIMHAG);
- the National Sorry Day Committee;
- the National Stolen Generation Alliance; and
- an Indigenous mental health consumer and carer.
The SPRC, in partnership with Nulungu Research Institute, has been contracted to undertake the development of the renewed Framework including consulting with key stakeholders. The renewed Framework will seek to:
- Build on the previous Framework, taking into account its successes and addressing any gaps or developments that have occurred since it was published;
- Offer a clear policy framework that will guide current and future social and emotional wellbeing and mental health efforts for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their communities;
- Support alignment across governments and sectors; and
- Support ways to evaluate and inform future efforts around community based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing and mental health activities.
Introduction to the Framework
The Framework was developed in 2004 by the Social Health Reference Group for the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Council and the National Mental Health Working Group.The Framework provided an outline for national action to respond to the high incidence of social and emotional wellbeing problems and mental ill health among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Framework broadens the focus from mental ill health to a wider view of wellbeing and to services which promote positive wellbeing. It was also recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have different sources of strength and vulnerability from other groups in the population and therefore require a specific conceptual framework and a particular policy and service response. The Framework included building on strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and people; increasing access to primary health and early intervention; and improving access to culturally sensitive and relevant services.
The development of the renewed Framework will include consultations with a broad range people from:
- State and Commonwealth Government departments;
- consumers, carers and community leaders;
- Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) and
- other non-government organisations who provide health services.
These consultations are an opportunity to provide input into the development of a renewed Framework and to comment on current issues around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ mental health and social emotional wellbeing.
Discussion paper
A Discussion Paper has been written to provide background information and is aimed at promoting a discussion about the development of a renewed Framework. The Discussion Paper highlights some of the key issues which are relevant to the development of the renewed Framework and some of the developments which have occurred since the previous Framework was issued.
The Discussion Paper also includes a number of questions to assist you with providing feedback. The questions are intentionally broad to encourage discussions and to capture a wide range of views and ideas.
By submitting a response to these questions, or by attending a consultation in your State or Territory, you will help to ensure that the renewed Framework identifies the key issues and action areas necessary to ensure the social and emotional wellbeing needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are addressed and improved.
Download the Discussion Paper in PDF (PDF) (4 Mb) or view the Discussion Paper online.
Submission Process
It is important that the renewed Framework reflects the ideas and thoughts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, and we welcome your feedback and comments on renewing the Framework. Your submission will provide an opportunity for all points of views to be heard and considered throughout the development of the Framework.
To have your say in the development of the Framework you can:
- Read the Discussion Paper and complete a submission. All comments will be considered. Submissions can be sent to sewb@unsw.edu.au. The final date for submissions is Tuesday 30th April 2013.
- Attend a consultation in a location near you (see schedule under Consultations)
By completing a submission and responding to these questions, you can help to shape the renewed Framework.
Consultations
The SPRC and Nulungu Research Institute are holding nation-wide consultations. The consultations seek feedback from stakeholders to ensure the renewed Framework meets the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of all ages and from different backgrounds and locations.
Through the consultations, participants will have the opportunity to provide their views on the social and emotional wellbeing needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. If you are planning on attending the consultations, or making a submission, we encourage you to read the Discussion Paper (available soon) to learn more.
By attending a consultation in your state or territory, you can help to ensure the Framework reflects the key issues and priorities that matter most to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and communities.
Locations and dates for the consultations are outlined below. If you would like to attend a consultation, please email sewb@unsw.edu.au.
Please note that there will be limited capacity at the consultations. For those who are unable to attend a consultation or prefer to make a written submission, please email your response to the consultation questions (see page 26 of the Discussion Paper), to sewb@unsw.edu.au. All responses, whether submitted at the consultations or via the website, will be given equal weight.
| Venue | Date | |
|---|---|---|
| Queensland | ||
| Brisbane |
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Community Health Services |
Monday 4th March |
| Cairns |
Apunipima Cape York Health Council |
Wednesday 6th March |
| Thursday Island | TBA | TBA |
| New South Wales | ||
| Redfern |
Redfern Community Centre  |
Tuesday 12th March |
| Taree |
North Coast TAFE, Taree Campus |
Thursday 14th March |
| Tasmania | ||
| Hobart |
Risdon Cove Pyramids |
Tuesday 19th March |
| Launceston |
Aboriginal Elders Council of Tasmania |
Wednesday 20th March |
| Victoria | ||
| Melbourne |
Aborigines Advancement League |
Monday 25th March |
| Shepparton |
The Harmony Centre |
Tuesday 26th March |
| Australian Capital Territory | ||
| Canberra |
Rydges Lakeside Canberra |
Thursday 18th April |
| South Australia | ||
| Adelaide |
Tandanya Aboriginal Cultural Institute |
Tuesday 9th April |
| Whyalla |
Nunyara Wellbeing Centre (to be confirmed) |
Thursday 11th April |
| Western Australia | ||
| Broome | University of Notre Dame Conference Room (Broome) | Tuesday 26th March |
| Derby | Derby Sport and Rec Centre | Wednesday 27th March |
| Derby Kahpf | Derby Aboriginal Health Services | Tuesday 16th April |
| Kalgoorlie | (TBA) | Wednesday 8th May |
| Kalgoorlie Region AHPF | Palms | Thursday 9th May |
| Fitzroy Crossing | Karayilli Adult Education Centre | Wednesday 17th April |
| Halls Creek | Halls Creek Shire - Executive Meeting Room (TBC) | Thursday 18th April |
| Port Hedland | Wangka Maya Language Centre -Conference Room (Tentative) | Tuesday 23rd April |
| Perth | Kuditj Cafe | Monday 6th May |
| Bunbury | Bunbury Regional Art Gallery | Tuesday 23rd April |
| Albany |
Albany Local Education Office (Old District Education Office) |
Tuesday 30th of April |
| Northern Territory | ||
| Darwin | Holliday Inn (TBC) | Wednesday 3rd April |
| Katherine | Paraway Motel | Thursday 4th April |
| Galiwinku | MIWATJ Health | Wednesday 17th of April |
| Tennant Creek | Eldorado Motel Conference Room | Tuesday 23rd April |
| Alice Springs | (TBA) | Tuesday 30th April |
| Santa Teresa | Santa Teresa Community | Wednesday 1st May |
Key Documents
- National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Mental Health and Social and Emotional Well Being (2004–2009) (PDF) (606 Kb)
- Discussion Paper (PDF) (4 Mb)
Coming soon:
- Document Analysis
- Powerpoint presentation
- Poster
Contact details
Should you require any further information please email sewb@unsw.edu.au
