Media Releases and Communiques
National Public Health Strategic Framework for Children 2005 - 2008
The Australian Health Ministers’ Conference in Alice Springs has endorsed the National Public Health Strategic Framework for Children 2005-2008.
28 July 2005
Joint Communique
The Australian Health Ministers’ Conference in Alice Springs today endorsed the National Public Health Strategic Framework for Children 2005-2008. The Framework aims to improve the health and wellbeing of Australian children through developing a public health approach to addressing key issues such as healthy weight and nutrition, ear and hearing health, mental health, oral health, asthma, smoking and other substance abuse, child abuse and neglect, and self harm and injury.Extensive consultations were undertaken to ensure that key organisations and individuals in government and non-government sectors contributed to the development of strategies that can make a difference to child health outcomes.
The Framework provides guidance on strengthening the systems that support children and families, professionals and communities and identifies where links can be made to other sectors to assist in reducing health disparities among children. Priorities for immediate action include transforming systems and environments to be more responsive to the needs of children, their families and communities, with particular attention to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Additional areas highlighted for early attention emphasise the importance of maternal health and the early years of life in ensuring future child and adult health.
Media Contact: Richard O’Leary, Media Advisor for NT Minister for Health, Phone No: 08 8901 4118
