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Implementing 'Closing the Gap' policy through mainstream service provision: A South Australian case study.
George, Emma; Fisher, Matt; Mackean, Tamara; Baum, Fran.
Afiliación
  • George E; School of Allied Health Science and Practice, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
  • Fisher M; Stretton Health Equity, School of Social Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
  • Mackean T; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia.
  • Baum F; Stretton Health Equity, School of Social Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Health Promot J Austr ; 2024 Jun 02.
Article en En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38825392
ABSTRACT
ISSUE ADDRESSED The Australian government's 'Closing the Gap' (CTG) strategy has been implemented via multiple strategies. We examined CTG policy in early childhood within Southern Adelaide during the first decade of implementation (2008-2018) and critiqued the complexity and challenges of policy that is designed to promote health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children but lacked Aboriginal control.

METHODS:

A qualitative case study was conducted in Southern Adelaide, and we interviewed 16 policy actors from health and early childhood education sectors. Thematic analysis revealed key themes to show how policy had been implemented through mainstream structures.

RESULTS:

The rapid roll out of the CTG strategy, the limitations of short-term funding, cuts to Aboriginal health services, tokenistic consultation, and the mainstreaming of service provision were key features of policy implementation. The influence of Aboriginal leaders varied across implementation contexts. Participants advocated for services in health and education that are culturally safe to improve health of children, families, and communities.

CONCLUSIONS:

The implementation of the CTG strategy in Southern Adelaide was rushed, complex, and lacking Aboriginal control. This contributed to the marginalisation of Aboriginal leaders, and disengagement of families and communities. A more collaborative and Aboriginal led process for policy implementation is essential to reform policy implementation and address health inequity. SO WHAT? Findings from this study suggest that policy has continued to be implemented I ways that reflect colonial power imbalances. Alternative processes that promote the recognition of Indigenous rights must be considered if we are to achieve the targets set within the CTG strategy.
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Texto completo: 1 Colección: 01-internacional Base de datos: MEDLINE Idioma: En Revista: Health Promot J Austr Asunto de la revista: SAUDE PUBLICA Año: 2024 Tipo del documento: Article País de afiliación: Australia Pais de publicación: Australia
Texto completo
Añadir a Mi BVS
Imprimir
XML
PubMed Links
Buscar en Google

Texto completo: 1 Colección: 01-internacional Base de datos: MEDLINE Idioma: En Revista: Health Promot J Austr Asunto de la revista: SAUDE PUBLICA Año: 2024 Tipo del documento: Article País de afiliación: Australia Pais de publicación: Australia