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National Strategic Framework

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples' Social and Emotional Wellbeing

The Australian Health Ministers' Advisory Council (AHMAC) recently endorsed the National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' Mental Health and Social and Emotional Wellbeing 2004-2009 (the Framework).

This follows an extensive series of consultations in 2003, during which feedback was received from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health community sector, the broader mental health sector, state/territory health agencies and other Australian government agencies and members of the Stolen Generation.

The Framework recognises the Aboriginal definition of health, that is, that achieving optimal conditions for health and wellbeing requires a holistic and whole of life view of health, referring to the social, emotional and cultural wellbeing of the whole community. The Framework also acknowledges that social and emotional wellbeing is a shared responsibility, requiring partnerships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, individuals and communities, and a number of government agencies across all levels of government.

The Framework is a five-year plan to guide the work of the many agencies, both government and non-government, that work towards improving the mental health and social and emotional well being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It includes five key strategic areas for action:

• a focus on children, young people, families and communities
• strengthening the capacity and workforce of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services to deliver social and emotional wellbeing care
• increased access to and responsiveness of mainstream mental health care
• improved coordination of resources, programs, initiatives and planning
• improved data and research.

Electronic copies of The Framework can be obtained from:
Web: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/Publishing.nsf/Content/health-oatsih-pubs-wellbeing

For further information, or to obtain a hard copy of The Framework, contact:
The Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health (OATSIH)
Ph: 02 6289 5399