Abstract
Since 2004 the Howard Coalition government has implemented a new policy framework and administrative arrangements as part of its program of reform in Indigenous affairs. In this paper I will describe both the parameters of this reform program and review the processes established to support the implementation of national Indigenous health strategy. In particular, I will consider both the shift from a policy framework based on 'self-determination' to one based on 'mutual obligation', and the implementation of Shared Responsibility Agreements (SRAs) that are based on the latter principle. I will use the example of the Mulan SRA to illustrate the difficulties in articulating the 'new arrangements' with current approaches to Indigenous health planning and strategy implementation. I conclude that 'new arrangements' pose a number of problems for Indigenous health planning and strategy that need to be addressed.
Highlights
In 2004 the Howard Coalition government embarked on a radical reform program in Aboriginal affairs, beginning with the announcement on 15 April 2004 of its intention to abolish the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC)
ATSIC's original structure included regional councils that had a role in regional resource allocation
A board of commissioners, which were elected from the pool of regional councillors, had oversight of ATSIC's national programs and were responsible for the provision of policy advice to the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs. [2,3]
Summary
Notwithstanding the ideological commitment of some for a more radical agenda, local Indigenous leadership, Indigenous-managed-services, regional bodies and policy organisations will continue to play a role in the roll-out of strategy If these new arrangements are to be effective articulations need to be created in to link http://www.anzhealthpolicy.com/content/3/1/10 these processes more effectively with health planning and expert advisory processes. Whilst these issues are clearly critical to good policy development, it is important that these agreements do not reinforce a sense of failure in local communities. The articulation of SRAs with health strategy and planning is critical ands deserves a close focus in the planned review of SRA's
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