Aboriginal Health Impact Statement and Declaration Policy
MP 0160/21 - Aboriginal Health Impact Statement and Declaration Policy (pdf 202KB)
Applicable to: This policy is applicable to all WA health entities as defined in the policy.
Description: The purpose of the Aboriginal Health Impact Statement and Declaration Policy (the policy) is to ensure WA health entities are responsive to the needs of Aboriginal people through their policies, programs and strategies. The policy supports a whole-of-organisation approach and commitment to address systemic and institutional racism.
More specifically, the policy supports WA health entities to identify the needs of Aboriginal people through engagement and embedding cultural safety in the development, review, amendment or discontinuation of a policy document, health program or strategy. It mandates Cultural Governance for policy, program and strategy decisions that may impact Aboriginal people.
This policy supports WA health entities to implement Priority Reform 3 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, with a focus on Transformational Elements:
- Identify and eliminate racism
- Embed and practice meaningful cultural safety
- Deliver services in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, communities and people
- Improve engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
The WA Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Framework 2015-2030 provides the guiding principles that underpin the policy requirements. Strategic Direction 3 of the Framework recognises that a culturally respectful and non-discriminatory health system is a key enabler to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal people and establishes the need to embed structures, policies and processes across health to ensure this can be achieved.
Legislation pertinent to this policy includes:
- Public Sector Management Act 1994
- Health Services Act 2016
This policy is a mandatory requirement for Health Service Providers (HSPs) under the Clinical Services Planning and Programs Policy Framework pursuant to section 26(2)(d) of the Health Services Act 2016.
This policy is also a mandatory requirement for the Department of Health pursuant to section 29 of the Public Sector Management Act 1994.
This policy should be read in conjunction with:
Date of effect: 11 May 2021
Policy Framework
Clinical Services Planning and Programs
A10 Aboriginal Health Impact Statement and Declaration
Aboriginal Health Impact Statement and Declaration Policy Implementation Guide (pdf 638KB)
WA Aboriginal Health Executive Roundtable 2023 Recommendations Report
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2021/2031
• National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workforce Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan 2021–2031
• Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy – Western Australia 2021-2029
• United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples