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About NPHP

The National Public Health Partnership (NPHP) provides a formal structure for the Australian Government, and States and Territory Governments, to come together to develop a joint Australian intergovernmental agenda for public health. It operates under a Memorandum of Understanding signed by all Australian Health Ministers in February 2003, for the period 2003-2007.

The National Public Health Partnership Group (NPHPG) is a sub-committee of the Australian Health Ministers' Advisory Council (AHMAC). The Council's role is to support the Australian Health Ministers' Conference (AHMC), by providing strategic advice on health issues and by acting as a forum for planning, information sharing and innovation.

NPHP Terms of Reference and Objectives 2003 - 2007

The terms of reference of the Partnership Group are to:

1. oversee the direction, development, implementation and review of the MOU;

2. make recommendations to AHMAC on national priorities for public health and other strategic issues;

3. report to Health Ministers through AHMAC on progress;

4. consult and negotiate with other relevant agencies including its Advisory Group, on the development of national public health priorities and strategies; and

5. establish appropriate mechanisms, communication and working arrangements to support the implementation of the MOU.

The Objectives for the NPHP are to:

1. identify and develop strategic and integrated responses to public health priorities to guide and support governments and service providers;

2. establish two-way exchange with key stakeholders on the development of national public health priorities and strategies;

3. develop better coordination and increased sustainability of public health strategies; and

4. strengthen public health infrastructure and capacity nationally.