WA Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Framework 2015–2030 launched

The Department of Health has launched its new WA Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Framework 2015-2030 (PDF 10MB), aimed at shaping and guiding how WA Health and other agencies approach Aboriginal health for the next 15 years.

Speaking at the launch event at the Department’s Royal Street offices in East Perth the acting Director General Professor Bryant Stokes said it was an important moment for Aboriginal health in Western Australia.

“Not only is this the first Aboriginal health plan in more than a decade, but it’s also the first plan to pull together the importance of prevention and culture in improving health outcomes for Aboriginal people.

“While improvements have been made in Aboriginal health in recent years, more work needs to be done if we’re to close the gap in life expectancy between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people,” said Professor Stokes.

The statistics for health in the Aboriginal community in WA are stark:

• life expectancy of an Aboriginal man is 15 years lower than a non-Aboriginal man
• life expectancy of an Aboriginal woman is 13.5 years lower than a non-Aboriginal woman
• Aboriginal people are often affected by chronic diseases up to 20 years earlier than in the non-Aboriginal population.

Recognising the fact that many of the factors which influence ill health in the Aboriginal population lie outside the direct responsibility of the health sector, Professor Stokes called for a broad, collaborative approach to addressing the social determinants of health.

“This Framework was developed by WA Health in consultation with Aboriginal people, but it’s our hope that it’ll serve as a roadmap for everyone involved in improving Aboriginal health and wellbeing in our State,” he said.

Production of the Framework involved an extensive, statewide consultation process to ensure the needs, interests and circumstances of Aboriginal people were adequately represented. Additionally senior Aboriginal professionals, Aboriginal community members and people who provide services to Aboriginal people were also asked for their input and guidance.

Six important strategic directions were agreed upon for the road ahead:

• Promote good health across the life course
• Prevention and early intervention
• A culturally respectful and non-discriminatory health system
• Individual, family and community wellbeing
• A strong, skilled and growing Aboriginal health workforce
• Equitable and timely access to the best quality and safe care.

The new Framework is aligned with a range of national and WA policies including the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2013-2023 (external site) and the WA Footprints to Better Health Strategy (PDF 2.5MB).

Professor Stokes said ensuring the Framework made an impact on the health of the Aboriginal population over the long term is essential.

“WA Health will measure and monitor progress over time using action plans and set progress targets which will be aligned to established best practice, evidence, and new and emerging needs,” he said.

Wendy Casey, the Acting Director of  Aboriginal Health, welcomed the Framework.

“The Framework has been developed for Aboriginal people, by Aboriginal people. It responds to WA specific needs and is a road map to guide all aspects of health service delivery to Aboriginal Western Australians,” she said.

A spokesperson for the Aboriginal Health Council of WA (AHCWA) said the council was looking forward to the framework being implemented.

“The AHCWA supports the emphasis on prevention, re-empowerment of Aboriginal people and recognising the importance of culture in delivery of health and wellbeing services to Aboriginal people throughout Western Australia. 

“The AHCWA also commends the department in recognising that a coordinated effort is required across all sectors to address the broader social determinants of health.”