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All documents on this Website are available in PDF formatPDF icon.

Annual Report to AHMAC
Child and Youth Health
Communicable Diseases (CDNA)
Environmental Health
General Practice
Genetics
Injury Prevention (SIPP)
Legislation (Legislation Reference Network)
Mental Health
National Public Health Partnership
National Strategies Coordination
NPHP background documents
Nutrition (SIGNAL)
Physical Activity (SIGPAH)
Public Health Information (PHIWG)
Public Health Practice
Research
Response to National Consultations
Workforce

 

Annual Report to AHMAC

National Public Health Partnership Annual Reports

Report from the National Public Health Partnership Group to the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council for 2003-2004.

Report from the National Public Health Partnership Group to the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council for 2002-2003.

Child and Youth Health

 

Healthy Children - Strengthening Promotion and Prevention Across Australia. Developing a National Public Health Action Plan for Children 2005-2008, Consultation Paper, June 2004 [PDF 471KB]

This paper has been prepared to stimulate discussion about possible inclusions in the National Public Health Action Plan for Children. It outlines a framework that has an underlying emphasis on promotion and prevention and proposes where the most effective initiatives may be made to address child health inequalities.

Healthy Children - Strengthening Promotion and Prevention Across Australia. Development of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander component of the National Public Health Action Plan for Children 2005-2008, Background Paper, September 2004 [PDF 1,088KB]

This Background Paper reflects the importance of cultural identity, an holistic concept of health and healing, and a focus on children as part of an intergenerational concept of family. It was prepared for the Child and Youth Health Intergovernmental Partnership (CHIP), by Innovative Leadership Australia, in consultation with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Working Group of CHIP. It aims to stimulate discussion about the development of a national approach to the public health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and is a guide to what could be included in the National Public Health Action Plan for Children 2005-2008.

Healthy Children – Strengthening Promotion and Prevention across Australia: The National Public Health Strategic Framework for Children 2005–2008. January 2005. [PDF271KB].

The Strategic Framework was developed following extensive consultation with jurisdictions, and organisations with a specific interest in the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and a national consensus workshop. It provides a comprehensive set of directions for filling existing gaps and facilitating and strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders in the health, welfare and education sectors relating to children. It builds on existing strategies relevant to child health, such as the NPHP’s physical activity and nutrition strategies. The Strategic Framework also aligns with the work of the National Obesity Taskforce, Child Health and Wellbeing Reform Agenda Working Group (HRAWG), the National Maternity Services Collaboration and the National Agenda for Early Childhood.

 

Child Health Screening and Surveillance: Supplementary Document - Context and Next Steps (September 2002) [PDF, 163kb]  
This paper has been developed by the Child and Youth Health Intergovernmental Partnership (CHIP) in response to the National Health and Medical Research Council report Child Health Screening and Surveillance: A Critical Review of the Evidence (February 2002). The paper includes a very brief summary of the NHMRC report; an outline of the context for screening and surveillance as one part of prevention and early detection of child health problems; and proposals for the next steps for taking the review recommendations forward.

The Scope for Youth Health Development (November 1999) [PDF, 609kb]
This is a briefing paper for the National Public Health Partnership prepared by George Patton from the Centre for Adolescent Health.

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Communicable Diseases (CDNA)


A range of protocols and guidelines relating to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (March – June 2003)

CDNA guidelines and protocols include: “Interim Australian Infection Control Guidelines for SARS”; “SARS Updated Information for General Practitioners”; “Entering Work, School, Conferences or Other Facilities (Workplaces) After Arriving from a SARS Affected Area”; “International Airport Procedures for Public Health Nurse Referrals”; and “Recommendations for Tracing and Managing Contacts of SARS Cases”.

Australian Action Plan for Pandemic Influenza (October 2003) [PDF, 354kb]

The aim of this Action Plan is to facilitate an organised and effective national response in the event of an influenza pandemic. It provides specific advice and actions, and is designed to assist State and Territory health departments and other organisations in preparing their own contingency arrangements.

Australian Bat Lyssavirus Guidelines for Medical Practitioners, Veterinarians and Members of the Public (August 2001)
Although human infections are fortunately still rare, the existence of lyssavirus in Australian bat populations and the fatality rate of human infections mean that the disease poses a potential threat to the Australian population. CDNA released three information brochures (addressed to medical practitioners, veterinarians and the general public) on the prevention and management of lyssavirus infection.

Guidelines for the Early Clinical and Public Health Management of Meningococcal Disease in Australia (September 2001)
The Guidelines were developed by a working party of CDNA to assist primary care practitioners with the emergency management of cases of suspected invasive meningococcal disease and to assist public health practitioners with the prevention of further cases after a case of invasive meningococcal disease has been reported. The Guidelines include information about emergency and hospital management of suspected cases; laboratory tests; public health management of outbreaks; and reporting and surveillance of meningococcal disease.

Immunisation Myths and Realities: Responding To Arguments Against Immunisation – 3rd Edition
This paper is available on the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care’s Population Health Division Website at http://immunise.health.gov.au/myths_2.pdf [PDF, 495kb].

National Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis Control in Australia Beyond 2000 (March 2002)
Australia has an enviable record in the control and treatment of tuberculosis but it is important to maintain an appropriate level of effort in combating this disease even though numbers are low by historical standards and in a global context. The National TB strategy was developed by the CDNA National Tuberculosis Advisory Committee, endorsed by CDNA and launched by the Minister for Health and Ageing in March 2002. It identifies priorities and strategies to ensure continued improvement in Australia’s TB management, while recognising that for some population groups this disease needs close monitoring.

The Financing of Public Health Laboratory Services – Stage 1 Report – Issues Paper – May 1999 [PDF, 382kb]
The main purpose of this report was to ‘identify mechanisms, including financial ones, to improve, wherever necessary, the accessibility and use of laboratory services and information for public health purposes’, specifically in relation to communicable disease control.

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Environmental Health

enHealth Council Position on Copper Chrome Arsenate (CCA) Treated Timber Products - July 2005 [PDF, 36k]
enHealth Council has considered the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicine Authority’s (APVMA) report on the Review of Arsenic Timber Treatment Products, released in March 2005. The report recommends cancelling the use of Copper Chrome Arsenate (CCA) treatment of timber intended for structures such as garden furniture, picnic tables, exterior seating, children’s play equipment, patio and domestic decking and handrails from March 2006. CCA is used to treat timber for the prevention of insect (termite) and fungal damage.

National Environmental Health Strategy (1999)
The National Environmental Health Strategy is the first national approach to the management of environmental health issues in Australia. It was developed by the National Environmental Health Forum, an advisory group of the National Public Health Partnership.

The Strategy acknowledges that Environmental Health involves a broad range of subject areas and involves a wide variety of stakeholders. The Strategy provides a basis for bringing these stakeholders together nationally.

The Strategy also provides a framework for increasing the ability and capacity of those providing environmental health services in Australia. It does so by outlining clear processes for improving the assessment, prevention, control and management of environmental health hazards.

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General Practice


Smoking, Nutrition, Alcohol, Physical Activity (SNAP) Framework for General Practice (June 2001) [PDF file, 149kb]
The SNAP Framework is an initiative of the Joint Advisory Group (JAG) on General Practice and Population Health. It has been developed by JAG in conjunction with Chairs of National Population Health Strategies to guide the implementation of integrated approaches to behavioural risk factor modification in general practice, focusing on smoking, nutrition, alcohol and physical Activity

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Genetics


An Overview of Public Health Surveillance of Genetic Disorders, and Mapping of Current Genetic Screening Services in Australia
[PDF, 886kb]   
This report was prepared by the Public Health Genetics Working Group (PHGWG) of the NPHP and provides a summary of the national environment for public health genetics including current public health genetics programs and services; monitoring and surveillance systems for genetic disorders; education, information and counselling services; and research and development. It also consolidates overarching information relating to issues such as consent, privacy, and ethics and provides a brief overview of emerging issues.


At its October 2002 meeting, the NPHPG approved the PHGWG report, An Overview of Public Health Surveillance of Genetic Disorders, and Mapping of Current Genetic Screening Services in Australia for posting on the NPHP website and referral to the AHMAC Advisory Group on Human Gene Patents and Genetic Testing, announced in May 2002, which is to consider issues around access; quality and safety; social, ethical and legal aspects of testing and service delivery issues. This report completes the work of the PHGWG which was disbanded in the context of the establishment of the AHMAC Advisory Group.


Information on the work of the AHMAC Advisory Group on Human Gene Patents and Genetic Testing can be obtained by contacting the Secretary to this group:


Ms Anne Deegan

Acting Director, Human Genetics Section
Australian Government, Department of Health and Ageing
Tel: (02) 6289 8604
Email: anne.deegan@health.gov.au

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Information


Performance Indicator Frameworks for Population Health - Workshop Report 16 March 2000 [PDF, 1.02MB]
The NPHP Group auspiced a workshop to provide advice to the newly formed National Health Performance Committee. This report provides a summary of the day’s proceedings and ways forward.

Performance Indicators, Key Stakeholders and Data Collection Strategies (June 1998) [PDF, 289kb]

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Injury Prevention (SIPP)

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Safety Promotion Strategy [320k, pdf]
The Strategy outlines specific strategic requirements for improving safety and reducing the incidence and harm of injury to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The document builds on and is integrated with The National Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Plan: 2004-2014.

National Falls Prevention for Older People Plan: 2004 Onwards [295k, pdf]
This Plan complements The National Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Plan 2004-2014 and links with The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Safety Promotion Strategy. This document provides a strategic framework for collaborative action across jurisdictions, local government and organisations, to prevent falls and minimise fall related injuries in older people throughout Australia.

National Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Plan: 2004 – 2014 [401k, pdf]
This Plan provides a strategic framework for injury prevention and safety promotion and is accompanied by the The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Safety Promotion Strategy and the National Falls Prevention for Older People Plan: 2004 Onwards. Key objectives and actions are identified to progress the goals of achieving a positive safety culture in Australia and the creation of safe environments.

National Injury Prevention Plan (endorsed by Health Ministers August 2001)

The following documents can be downloaded in PDF format:

 

Legislation (Legislation Reference Network)


A Background Paper on Confidentiality and Privacy in Public Health Legislation With a Focus on Infectious Notifiable Diseases (May 2002) [PDF, 456kb]
This document has been prepared by private consultants commissioned on behalf of the Legislation Reform Working Group of the National Public Health Partnership. Its purpose is to provide public health policy makers and practitioners with background information and context regarding privacy and confidentiality legislation in public health, with specific relevance to notifiable diseases. Commentary in the paper does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the NPHP or its members. However, the document contains extensive reference material and discussion that may assist the examination of privacy and confidentiality issues in the context of public health legislation and its administration, particularly in relation to disease notification requirements within and between Australian jurisdictions.

NOTE: The Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council Privacy Working Group will be releasing a draft of the proposed National Health Privacy Code in December 2002 and will conduct public consultations in early 2003.

A Summary of Public Health Laws of Relevance to Remote and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities (March 2002) [PDF, 231kb]
This report describes legislation in Australia which relates to water, waste and hazards in the built environment- public health issues of fundamental relevance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in remote areas. The report indicates application and enforcement issues in relation to remote communities in each jurisdiction and identifies some positive local initiatives taken in each State or Territory.

Confidentiality and Privacy Provisions in Public Health: Legislation and the Power to Transfer Information Between Jurisdictions – Background Paper (November 1998) [PDF, 236kb]
The National Public Health Partnership Group’s Legislation Reform Working Group, as a first step in its task to consider confidentiality and privacy in public health legislation, requested Dr Christopher Reynolds from Flinders University in South Australia to prepare this paper which considers issues in the transfer of confidential information across State and Territory borders.

Emergency Powers and Cross-Jurisdictional Issues Regarding Outbreaks of Communicable Diseases [PDF, 891kb]
This report was commissioned jointly by the Legislation Reference Network and the Communicable Disease Network Australia on behalf of the National Public Health Partnership. The report maps the health and other emergency powers legislation in the federal, state and territory jurisdictions in Australia, and identifies differences and gaps. It looks at legal preparedness for an outbreak of communicable disease of national or international significance and suggests a number of options to facilitate a more cooperative, uniform and coordinated approach.

Guiding Principles for Smoke-Free Public Places and Workplaces Legislation (Endorsed by AHMAC November 2000) [PDF, 42kb]
Produced by the NPHP Legislation Reform Working Group as part of the Legislators’ Tool Kit.

Implementation Options for National Legislative Schemes in Public Health – Final Report (September 1999) [PDF, 401kb]
This paper was commissioned from the Centre for Comparative Constitutional Studies by the Legislative Reform Working Group for the purpose of providing a clear and comprehensive outline of the framework in which intergovernmental arrangements may have some application in the public health area, and to provide a guide for future decision-making and policy implementation.

Annex One: Extracts from the Commonwealth Constitution [PDF, 69.1kb]

Annex Two: Examples

The following annexes are available only in PDF format:

1. Examples of Ministerial Council activities, extracted from Intergovernmental News (vol 9, no 1, April 1997) [PDF, 358kb]

2. Intergovernmental Agreement on Mutual Recognition (1992) [PDF, 492kb]

3. Agreement on the Adoption of Uniform Food Standards (1991) [PDF, 345kb]

4. Consumer Credit (Victoria) Act 1995 [PDF, 392kb]

5. Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Administration) Act 1992 (Cth) [PDF, 465kb]

6. Native Title Act 1993 [PDF, 420kb]

7. Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (Cth); Therapeutic Goods Act (Victoria) 1994 [PDF, 1.4MB]

8. Mutual Recognition (Queensland) Act 1992 [PDF, 1.27MB]

9. Australasian Police Ministers' Council, Special Firearms Meeting, Resolutions , 10 May 1996 [PDF, 830kb]

10. Memorandum of Understanding to establish a National Public Health Partnership for Australia (1996) [PDF, 465kb]

 

Model Provisions for Certification of Immunisation Status on School and Child Care Entry (Endorsed by AHMAC June 2000) [PDF, 246kb]
The Model Provisions for Certification of Immunisation Status on School and Child Care Entry are intended to provide a policy blueprint to aid the development of new legislation and reviews of existing legislation. (Approved by AHMAC June 2000) 
The Model Regulatory Impact Statement for the Notification of Immunisation Status Model Legislation (November 2000) [PDF, 559kb] is an additional resource.

National Response to Passive Smoking in Enclosed Public Places and Workplaces: A Background Paper (November 2000)
This background paper forms part of the national response to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure in public places and workplaces. While the Australian Government has taken a leading role in this development, the enactment of legislation regarding passive smoking remains the responsibility of the States and Territories. Information is therefore presented to assist jurisdictions in the continuing development of their own responses to this issue.

Notifiable Diseases and Notification Mechanisms (Endorsed by AHMAC November 2000) [PDF, 344kb]
This paper focuses on the diseases of national importance which should be notifiable in each jurisdiction and the legislative mechanisms that can be utilised to provide a consistent framework for national surveillance.The paper is intended to be used as a reference guide for public health legislators. It discusses the purpose and need for uniformity in this area and the form that best practice legislation should take.

 

Principles to be Considered when Developing Best Practice Legislation for the Management of Infected Persons who Knowingly Place Others at Risk (December 2003) [PDF, 134kb]

The report deals with powers to control public health risks in the event of an epidemic or where infected persons, knowingly or recklessly, place others at risk. It examines this difficult area of public health law, which needs to strike a balance between protection of the community and protection of individual liberty.   

Public Health Law in Australia: Its Current State and Future Directions – Ian Bidmeade and Chris Reynolds (June 1997) [PDF, 380kb]
Mr Ian Bidmeade and Dr Chris Reynolds were commissioned by the National Public Health Partnership Legislation Reform Working Group to undertake a study of public health legislation, and legislation affecting public health. The key aims of the study were to provide a clear analysis and informative discussion of public health law in Australia and to make recommendations on collaborative and consultative mechanisms involving relevant stakeholders required to effect legislative reform. Parts 1 and 2 provide an up-to-date snapshot of the state of public health law in each jurisdiction in Australia. Parts 3 and 4 discuss some key issues in the regulation of key public health areas such as disease and quarantine, immunisation and food.

Regulation of Infection Control in the Body Art Industry in Australia and New Zealand - A Summary - January 2002 [PDF, 66kb]
This Report provides an overview of the legislation, guidelines and codes regarding infection control practices and Occupational Health and Safety provisions for practitioners within the Body Art industry in Australia. This Report is limited to providing an overview of the legislation relating to Body Art as an invasive procedure involving skin puncture.

Smoke-Free Public Places Legislation: Examples of Core Provisions (Endorsed by AHMAC November 2000) [PDF, 79kb]
These principles and provisions are provided as a guide to decision-makers and others wishing to develop new or review existing legislative approaches to passive smoking.

The Application of Risk Management Principles in Public Health Legislation – Final Report June 2000 [PDF, 994kb]
This paper considers how principles of risk assessment and risk management can be reflected in public health legislation. The legislation in question here is the ‘core’ public health acts, which have long provided, and continue to provide, the first order public health response to environmental problems.

The Role of Local Government in Public Health Regulation (Endorsed AHMAC March 2002) [PDF, 467kb]
This report provides a general overview of the role of local government in public health from a legislative perspective. It is essentially a mapping exercise that aims to examine the relevant legislation which sets out the role of local government in relation to public health throughout Australia.

Workshop on the Application of Risk Management Principles in Public Health Law – 27 March 2001 – Summary Report – September 2001 [PDF, 178kb]
On 27 March 2001, the Legislation Reform Working Group conducted a workshop on the Application of Risk Management Principles in Public Health Law. The workshop built on the earlier report on the Application of Risk Management Principles in Public Health Law (see above), commissioned by the LRWG from Dr Chris Reynolds, School of Law, Flinders University.

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Mental Health


Mental Health Promotion & Prevention National Action Plan (January 1998)

Link to the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care website, where this document is published.

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National Public Health Partnership


Summary Report of Workshop on Envisioning Public Health in the 21st Century (October 1998) [PDF, 326kb]

What will be the significant challenges for the public’s health in the next century? How well are we prepared for these? What would the public health system look like of we got it right for improving and maintaining the health of the Australian population? What do we need to do now to get there? These are some of the questions which formed the basis of discussion at the ‘Envisioning Public Health in the 21st Century’ workshop held on 20 October 1998 in Melbourne. The workshop took advantage of the visit to Australia by Professor Leonard Syme (Professor Emeritus of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley).

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National Strategies Coordination


Guidelines for Improving National Public Health Strategies Development and Coordination (May 1999) [PDF, 256kb]
This document has evolved out of an initial consultative process with a sample of state program managers and the Chairs of a number national public health strategy committees, a mapping of national strategies and review of strategy evaluation reports.

Broader public release of an earlier paper (Draft Working Paper on National Strategies Coordination - Work In Progress July 1998) and the feedback received has led to the development of the current document.

Guidelines for the development, implementation and evaluation of National Public Health Strategies in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples - Approaches and Recommendations [PDF, 337kb]
The first phase has been completed of a two-part project to develop guidelines for national public health strategies in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The report describes the findings of a literature review and Australia-wide consultations on issues related to the development and implementation of national public health strategies with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Recommendations are made on the content of guidelines and these will form the basis of the second phase of the project; the preparation of guidelines.

Integrated Public Health Practice: Supporting and Strengthening Local Action - Background Paper - June 2000 [PDF, 509kb]
This Background Paper is based on a detailed literature review, together with case studies which illustrate issues around integration in practice. The work has been undertaken in recognition that national strategies are often delivered through the same service providers, such as general practitioners and Aboriginal health workers; identify the same priority groups; and work through the same sectors, such as local government. Integrated models of local service delivery may create greater flexibility and hence provide an opportunity to generate more efficient and sustainable public health responses.

A Discussion Paper [PDF, 106kb] reflecting the findings of the Integrated Public Health Project, has also been produced. The aim of the discussion paper is to invite further input so that policy and other levers for change can be developed and adopted by jurisdictions and national public health strategies to support more integrated approaches to complement current modes of practice .  

 

Preventing Chronic Disease: A Strategic Framework – Background Paper (October 2001) [PDF, 228kb]
This paper presents a national framework for system-wide strategic action that draws on the evidence about underlying determinants of poor health, knowledge of risk factors that are common to a number of diseases, and a lifecourse perspective on predisposing factors. The framework is based on public health principles and practice, with a strong emphasis on health promotion, and describes how this practice can be incorporated across the continuum of care.

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NPHP background documents


Discussion Paper on the National Public Health Partnership (September 1996) [PDF, 176kb]

This paper was circulated in September 1996 as part of the consultation process that led to the establishment of the NPHP. It provides useful background information as to why the Partnership was established and broadly outlines the priorities for a national partnership on public health, that now appear in the work program of the NPHP.

National Public Health Partnership - Final Evaluation Report, January 2002 [PDF, 743kb]
This report presents the findings and recommendations of the evaluation of the National Public Health Partnership (NPHP). The Partnership's Evaluation Working Group (EWG) has had responsibility for oversight of the monitoring and evaluation strategy. The actual monitoring and evaluation has been carried out by a team from La Trobe University (LTU) in Victoria and Queensland University of Technology (QUT), under the direction of Professors Stephen Duckett and Brian Oldenburg.

Public Health in Australia (August 1998)
Public Health in Australia has been produced by the National Public Health Partnership to provide overseas visitors with a broad overview of the evolution and operation of public health in Australia. The booklet, which is also part of the Partnership's International Strategy, includes demographic data, historical information, a description of public health functions and the range of key providers, and advice on national consultative mechanisms.

Public Health Practice in Australia Today – Core Functions (September 2000) [PDF, 751kb]
What capacity should the Australian public health system have to effectively respond to known and emerging public health challenges as we step in to the 21st century? This fundamental question underlies this statement of the core functions of public heath in Australia developed by the National Public Health Partnership.

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Nutrition (SIGNAL)


A Proposed Schema for Evaluating Evidence on Public Health Interventions: Case Study One: Evaluating evidence for interventions that aim to increase the consumption of fruit and vegetables [PDF, 53kb]

The purpose of Case Study One was to trial the first draft of the National Public Health Partnership's proposed schema for evaluating evidence on public health interventions.

Aboriginal Nutrition WA: 1997–2002 is a 5-year coordinated action plan to improve the nutritional health of Aboriginal people in WA. The plan has involved wide consultation and has been developed by the Office of Aboriginal Health and Health Promotions Services, HDWA.
Contact: Beth Woods (08) 9222 2098

An Intervention Portfolio to Promote Fruit and Vegetable Consumption – Part 1 – The Process and Portfolio (2000) [PDF, 712kb]
This report, in two parts, summarises the result of and process used in a pilot case study that applied a portfolio approach to define interventions to promote fruit and vegetable consumption. Part 1 retraces the steps and thinking which led to the final intervention portfolio.

An Intervention Portfolio to Promote Fruit and Vegetable Consumption – Part 2 – Review of Interventions (2000) [PDF, 642kb]
This report, in two parts, summarises the result of and process used in a pilot case study that applied a portfolio approach to define interventions to promote fruit and vegetable consumption. Part 2 details the interventions that were reviewed in the portfolio exercise.

Eat Well Australia: an agenda for action in public health nutrition, 2000–2010 (October 2001) [PDF, 932kb] [Detailed review]
The national public health nutrition strategy Eat Well Australia contains two complementary national public health nutrition strategies – this one focusing on the whole of population and another on Indigenous Australians. The strategies were developed during 1999–2000 through a consultative and participatory process with hundreds of key stakeholders from government, non-government and industry organisations. The suite of documents produced includes two detailed reviews of the priority strategy areas and two strategic summaries. Approved by the Australian Health Ministers Conference August 2001.

Eat Well Autralia: a strategic framework for public health nutrition, 2000–2010 (October 2001) [PDF, 911kb] [Strategic summary]
See description in the previous listing.

Food Security Options Paper: A planning framework & menu of options for policy and practice interventions (2003) [PDF, 420kb]
This document was prepared by the NSW Centre for Public Health Nutrition for NSW Health and is a guide to intervention options for reducing the inequities in health caused by inadequate, low quality or unreliable food intake. It describes policy and practice interventions for improving the diet and nutrition of disadvantaged groups.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nutrition Strategy and Action Plan, 2000–2010 (October 2001)[PDF, 745kb] [Detailed review]
The national public health nutrition strategy Eat Well Australia contains two complementary national public health nutrition strategies – one focusing on the whole of population and this one on Indigenous Australians. The strategies were developed during 1999–2000 through a consultative and participatory process with hundreds of key stakeholders from government, non-government and industry organisations. The suite of documents produced includes two detailed reviews of the priority strategy areas and two strategic summaries. Approved by the Australian Health Ministers Conference August 2001.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nutrition Strategy and Action Plan, 2000–2010: a summary (October 2001) [PDF, 608kb] [Strategic summary]
See description in the previous listing.

Physical Activity (SIGPAH)


Be Active Australia: A Framework for Health Sector Action for Phyisical Activity 2005-2010 [PDF file, 247kb]

Developing an Active Australia – a Framework for Action for Physical Activity and Health.

Author: Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care. This paper is available on the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care’s Population Health Division Website at http://www.health.gov.au/pubhlth/publicat/document/active.pdf [PDF, 209kb].

Getting Australia Active

Getting Australia Active: Towards better practice for the promotion of physical activity [PDF, 1.1MB]
A comprehensive update on the state-of-the-art of physical activity promotion. The information provided in this document will enable physical activity stakeholders to guide better practice, engage potential partners and advance the physical activity agenda. This document has been designed primarily for health professionals, health promotion and exercise science professionals. It will also be read with interest by others who have an important role in encouraging ‘active living’. The report encourages critical thinking in developing programs in this area, and the development and use of best-practice approaches to physical activity promotion in Australia.

Getting Australia Active is available from Information Victoria at a cost of $24.00.  Information Victoria is located at 356 Collins Street, Melbourne and can be contacted on 1300 366 356

Summary DocumentGetting Australia Active: Towards better practice for the promotion of physical activity - summary [PDF, 151kb]

Summary Document - Getting Australia Active is available by contacting the NPHP Secretariat

Getting Australia Active II: An update of evidence on physical activity for health (2004)

Complete publication

Getting Australia Active II - Main Body [PDF, 1.59MB]

Getting Australia Active II - Appendices [PDF, 2.53MB]

Individual Sections and Appendices

Sections:

GAA II - Section 1:Update of the epidemiological evidence on physical activity and health [PDF, 930kb]

GAA II - Section 2: Update on the effectiveness of interventions to increase physical activity - what works? [PDF, 226kb]

GAA II - Section 3: Review of relevant national strategy related documents [PDF, 372 kb]

GAA II - Section 4: An international review of policies on physical activity [PDF, 224kb]

GAA II - Section 5: Conclusions and recommendations from the literature review updating the evidence on physical activity [PDF, 231kb]

Appendices:

GAA II - Appendix 1: Populations [PDF, 385kb]

GAA II - Appendix 2: Settings [PDF, 661kb]

GAA II - Appendix 3: Mediated Approaches [PDF, 441kb]

GAA II - Appendix 4: Environment [PDF, 751kb]

GAA II - Appendix 5: Physical Activity and Chronic Disease [PDF, 665kb]

Promoting Active Transport

Promoting Active Transport – An Intervention Portfolio to Increase Physical Activity as a Means of Transport (2001) [PDF, 374kb]
‘Active transport’ means physical activity undertaken as a means of transport. Increases in active transport are considered likely to have significant direct health benefits, as well as indirect benefits from reduced environmental pollution and increased community cohesion. The portfolio pilot assessed the literature, and considered current practice and knowledge to identify a mix of interventions considered by experts to have the most potential to be effective.

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Public Health Information


National Public Health Information Development Plan [PDF, 297kb]
(Endorsed AHMAC 20/04/99)
The National Public Health Information Development Plan (NPHIDP) represents the National Public Health Partnership's (NPHP) first comprehensive strategy for the development of public health information in Australia. The Partnership has adopted a widely-used definition of public health - the organised response by society to protect and promote health and to prevent illness, injury and disability (NPHP Memorandum of Understanding, adapted from Last, 1987)-and has been active in developing a common framework within which the partners can work together on a national approach to public health action.

 

Public Health Performance Project: Report to the National Public Health Partnership Group - October 2002 [PDF, 61kb]
The Public Health Performance Project commenced in January 2002. It aims to develop a set of key performance indicators for public health in Australia that can be mapped to the system performance tier of the National Health Performance Framework. The Public Health Performance Project used the National Public Health Partnership’s Statement of Core Functions to ensure that indicators for a range of public health activities were considered. A report to the National Public Health Partnership Group (NPHPG) summarises the outcomes of the Project and makes 19 recommendations. The report was presented to the NPHPG on 29 October 2002. At that meeting, the report’s recommendations were either agreed or agreed in principle, subject to referral to the National Public Health Partnership Information Working Group (NPHIWG) for advice. At its meeting on 25 November 2002, the National Health Performance Committee agreed to adopt the indicators recommended in the report for inclusion in its next national report on health system performance.

The following appendices are available as separate pdf files:

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Public Health Practice

A Planning Framework for Public Health Practice (New edition, September 2000) [PDF, 247kb]  
The framework is a tool to improve planning and management in public health. It complements existing planning processes in public health and draws them together under a common, over-arching approach.

A Proposed Schema for Evaluating Evidence on Public Health Interventions – Discussion Paper (May 2000) [PDF, 738kb]
This discussion paper reports on the first stage of a project commissioned by the NPHP Group to develop a schema for evaluating research-based evidence on public health interventions, and for helping to assess its applicability in decision-making.

A Schema for Evaluating Evidence on Public Health Interventions (Version 4 – June 2002) [PDF, 196kb] [final version]
The aim of this schema is to assist researchers, practitioners, and policy makers to critically appraise published research about public health interventions. The schema is designed as a checklist of questions that a reviewer may wish to consider when assessing the quality of published research, and when assessing the applicability of that research to a policy or practice setting. The schema is intended to assist the systematic appraisal of the strengths, limitations and gaps in published research as evidence.

Deciding and Specifying an Intervention Portfolio (Planning Framework – User Guide (October 2000) [PDF, 268kb]
The aim of this document is to provide a practical guide to portfolio selection for public health decision-makers which is consistent with the Planning Framework for Public Health Practice.

 

Issues for Consideration in Industry Partnerships for Public Health Initiatives (October 1998) [PDF, 286kb]
In response to a request from the National Environmental Health Forum for advice on the use of industry sponsorship, the National Public Health Partnership has developed Issues for Consideration in Industry Partnership for Public Health Initiatives. The paper is primarily for use by jurisdictions. A wide number of groups (including The Body Shop) provided advice and comment on the various drafts of the paper and their contribution is gratefully acknowledged.

National Delphi Study on Public Health Functions in Australia – Report on the findings (January 2000) [PDF, 842kb]
Appendix [PDF, 988kb]
The national Delphi Study, involving respondents from a spectrum of public health areas, is a landmark step towards defining the functions of public health in Australia. It builds on work by the World Health Organisation (WHO), and in the United States, where definitions of core or essential public health functions have been developed and applied in various ways. The NPHP has released this report on the results of the Delphi Study to encourage further discussion on a definition of public health functions in Australia.

Possible Directions for Quality in Public Health – An Ideas Paper for the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care – Australian Council on Healthcare Standards – May 1999 [PDF, 337kb]
A systematic quality approach has been widely acknowledged and accepted by industry in both Australia and overseas as an effective strategy for improving performance and practices. This ideas paper proposes an approach that can be used to achieve this objective. It begins by reviewing public health, its culture and the major issues and challenges facing the area. It then proposes a quality framework and discusses how the framework could be applied.

Promoting Quality in Public Health – Report on Workshop held in Sydney on 6 December 1999 [PDF, 120kb]
The aim of the workshop was to identify the fundamental quality issues for public health and to canvass ideas for addressing these issues. The workshop also considered how future work and collaboration on quality should be led.

Public Health Practice in Australia Today – Core Functions (September 2000) [PDF, 751kb]
What capacity should the Australian public health system have to effectively respond to known and emerging public health challenges as we step in to the 21st century? This fundamental question underlies this statement of the core functions of public heath in Australia developed by the National Public Health Partnership.

Quality Systems and Public Health: Background Review [PDF,256kb]
A review of the main approaches or systems in the quality area considered relevant to public health.

Resource Allocation in Public Health: An Economic Approach (August 1999) [PDF, 752kb]
This document begins by putting the current resource allocation to public health in some perspective by examining the limited Australian and international data on health expenditures over time and across the States and Territories. It then outlines some of the techniques used in resource allocation, from both the economic and administrative perspectives, reviews their possible application to public health, and makes some suggestions for future work.

Resource Allocation in Public Health – Moving Forward – Workshop Report Summary – 18 August 1999 – Sydney [PDF, 120kb]
This workshop dealt with the question of ‘how to get the best population health outcomes for limited and constrained resources’ by exploring State and Territory experiences in applying various resource allocation tools. The aim was to identify shared issues and problems that might be the subject of common activity.

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Research


National Directions for Research and Development in Public Health (February 1998) [PDF, 336kb]
The National Public Health Partnership has developed a discussion paper on National Directions for Public Health in Australia. The paper overviews the current history of public health research in Australia and current funding arrangements. A proposed framework for public health in Australia, a series of principles and proposed areas for research and development are provided.

National Public Health Partnership and Public Health Research & Development in Australia, The (November 1998) [PDF, 179kb]
The purpose of this paper is to help the National Public Health Partnership (NPHP) decide on its role in public health R&D and determine action that might follow from that decision. The paper argues that there are two broad-ranging problems with Australian public health R&D: a problem of fragmentation (due to geographic and institutional dispersion of research expertise and a lack of multi-sectoral mechanisms for answering research questions) and a problem of connectivity (due to the separation of public health research from policy and practice). Because the NPHP Group comprises the people who have chief operational responsibility for public health services in the jurisdictions, the NPHP has great potential to help overcome both of these problems, in concert with other agencies which have responsibility for the funding, direction, and provision of public health R&D.

National Public Health Partnership Background Paper to SRDC Consultations on Setting NHMRC Strategic Research Priorities for the Triennium 2000–2002 (October 1999) [PDF, 153kb]
In preparation for involvement in the Discussion (Focus) Groups for the NHMRC Strategic Research Development Committee (SRDC) priority research setting process, the NPHP prepared this background paper on priority public health research. The paper was provided to the SRDC for circulation to Discussion group participants.

National Public Health Partnership Report to the Health and Medical Research Strategic Review (Wills Review) (June 1998) [PDF, 377kb]
This background paper, developed by jurisdictional representatives of the NPHP Group, compliments submissions from health authorities of individual jurisdictions. It examines Australia's current investment in health and medical research and its contribution to improving knowledge, health and economic development from a public health perspective. The paper also examines future need for public health research in Australia and provides some overarching principles and possible strategic directions to support an optimal system of public health research.

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Response to National Consultations


Background Paper to The Review of the Australian Blood Banking and Plasma Products Sector (September 1999) [PDF, 262kb]
In September 1999, the NPHP Group submitted a background paper to The Review of the Australian Blood and Blood Products Sector. This paper provides a general public health perspective on the issues being investigated by the Review.

National Public Health Partnership Background Paper for the Food Regulation Review (November 1997) [PDF, 125kb]
This paper was submitted by the National Public Health Partnership Group to the Food Regulation Review and gives a general public health perspective on food regulation, and is intended to complement the submissions of individual jurisdictions to this Review.

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Workforce


Australian Public Health Leadership Program – Workshop Summary (25 February 2000) [PDF, 233kb]
Outcomes of workshop auspiced by NPHP on leadership development.

Calculating demand for an effective public health workforce.  Final Report for the National Public Health Partnership (July 2004) [PDF, 1.45 MB]

Calculating demand for an effective public health workforce represents the final part of a two-stage project to investigate a model of planning for the public health workforce (First Stage - Planning framework for a public health workforce, June 2002 PDF, 328 kb).  The final report details the practical application of a planning model based on the categorisation of public health workforce competencies.  A planning tool is proposed for use at the program level.  The report includes recommendations for future work which are not endoresed by the NPHP at this time.

 

National Public Health Partnership Public Health Workforce Development Background Paper (June 1998) [Pdf, 330kb]
A review has been undertake of current and emerging issues, largely informed by the body of work already undertaken on aspects of the public health workforce. This background paper has been prepared to facilitate national consultation and feedback to the Partnership Group on priority workforce development plans and an understanding of the barriers to change.

Planning Framework for the Public Health Workforce - Discussion Paper (June 2002) [PDF, 329kb]
This discussion paper conceptualises workforce planning and proposes a framework to categorise and assess the capacity of the public health workforce, drawing from experiences within and outside the health sector. To achieve this, a comprehensive review was undertaken to national and international workforce planning literature. The discussion paper will provide the basis for testing the proposed model for public health workforce planning in 2002-2003.

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Authorised by: Principal Program Advisor, National Public Health Partnership
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Last Updated: 24 July, 2006