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Closing the gap in Indigenous health inequity - Is it making a difference?

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 03:12 authored by Deravin, L, Karen FrancisKaren Francis, Anderson, J

Aim: This paper will review progress towards the identified targets within the Australian government policy document commonly known as ‘Closing the Gap’ and examine the role of nurses in supporting its implementation.

Background: Australia is not alone in seeking to address the health inequity between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous people. Globally such health inequities are similar and require interventions supported by governments in conjunction with health and education systems to affect desired change. For this reason, it is timely to undertake a review of progress on the impact of the Closing the Gap initiative.

Sources of evidence: The Australian national partnership agreement and subsequent annual performance reports issued between 2010 and 2017.

Discussion: Targets set within the Australian government national partnership agreement have had a range of success. Those targets not on track require significant long‐term investment to ensure their success. Nurses as a large professional group are powerful advocates to speak up and support policy change that affects disempowered social groups.

Conclusion: Long‐term social change takes time, yet without the commitment of Australian Governments through effective policy and economic support, the inequity in the health of Indigenous people will continue both now and in the future.

History

Publication title

International Nursing Review

Volume

65

Issue

4

Pagination

477-483

ISSN

0020-8132

Department/School

School of Nursing

Publisher

Blackwell Science Ltd.

Place of publication

United Kingdom

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health system performance

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