There is a clear disparity in health outcomes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-indigenous Australians. Closing the Gap is a government strategy that aims to reduce disadvantage among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with respect to life expectancy, child mortality, access to early childhood education, educational achievement, and employment outcomes.
Health authorities at all levels are committed to Closing the Gap. There are a range of health policy and planning documents and processes from government and non-government organisations – some of these can be accessed below.
- Indigenous Health: The Australian Department of Health’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health site provides information about relevant plans, projects and grant programs including the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2013-2023.
- NSW Aboriginal Health Plan: Within NSW Health the Centre for Aboriginal Health’s role is to support the health system to better engage and listen to the needs and aspirations of Aboriginal people so that the health and wellbeing is improved. In partnership with the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW, the NSW Government has developed a ten-year Aboriginal Health Plan.
- Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW: AHMRC is a representative body and voice of Aboriginal communities on health in NSW. They are the peak body for Aboriginal community controlled health services.
