Operational Policy Branch

The Operational Policy Branch focuses on optimising primary health care system and program-specific responses to the health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in remote or diverse locations.

In this section:

OATSIH Related Links Page

Remote Service Policy Section
Remote Service Delivery Section
Funding Policy Section
Eyes, Ear and Dental Health (NT) Section

Remote Service Policy Section

The Remote Service Policy Section focuses on providing advice and input on remote Indigenous health policy matters. This includes policy development and implementation planning for Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory, liaison across Department and other agencies on this matter to ensure the effective coordination and the management of renal services policy and programs. top of page

Remote Service Delivery Section

The Remote Service Delivery Section (RSDS) is the central coordination point for the department’s commitment to the Remote Service Delivery National Partnership Agreement (RSDNPA). RSDS supports Australian Government RSD strategies through the provision of health policy and program advice.

This includes monitoring and assisting with the implementation of health related Local Implementation Plan (LIP) projects and activities under the RSDNPA through a range of reporting, data analysis and interpretation requirements.

The section is also responsible for managing funding for the Remote Area Health Corps (RAHC), a key workforce element of the Expanding Health Service Delivery Initiative (EHSDI). RAHC recruits urban based health professionals such as general practitioners, registered nurses, allied health professionals and dental personnel for short-term deployments in remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory.

Funding Policy

The Funding Policy Section undertakes policy analysis on Indigenous primary health care funding. This work includes ongoing consideration of the interactions between mainstream and Indigenous specific funding programs to increase access to health care, and reporting on Indigenous health expenditure.

During 2012 the section is undertaking a review of the current primary health care funding arrangements for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The focus of the review is to examine ways to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal people through efficiency and increased service delivery. The review will examine a range of funding models for provision of primary health care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons.

Eyes, Ears and Dental Health (NT)

The section manages a number of projects focused on improving eye and hearing health among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including implementation of the Improving Eye and Ear Health Services for Indigenous Australians for Better Education and Employment Outcomes measure. The measure expands eye and ear health services for Indigenous Australians, providing $58.3 million over four years from 2009-10.

This section is also responsible for implementing selected dental health initiatives in the Northern Territory in response to the Child Health Check Initiative.

Publications

Review of Current Arrangements for the Collection, Recording, Transfer and Reporting of National Trachoma Data

If you have an enquiry please email oatsih enquiries or phone 02 6289 5291 top of page