Submissions

The draft National Tobacco Strategy 2022-2030 sets out a national policy framework for all governments to work together and in collaboration with non-government organisations to improve the health of all Australians by reducing the prevalence of tobacco use and its associated health, social, environmental, and economic costs, and the inequalities it causes.

CRANAplus largely endorsed the recommendations of the draft framework, which included achievable goals and priority areas appropriate for protecting public health.

The National Medicines Policy is intended to support structures, processes and accountabilities through which medicines and medicines-related services are accessible in an equitable, safe, timely, and affordable way and used optimally according to the principles of person-centred care and the quality use of medicines, to secure improved health, social and economic outcomes for individuals and community.

During the consultation on the policy’s draft, CRANAplus provided feedback advocating for increased access to medication and for the inclusion of measurable improvements in access in evaluation for remote and rural communities.

The SA Rural Aboriginal Health Workforce Plan outlines specific and culturally informed strategies to attract, retain, grow and support the Aboriginal health workforce within regional local health networks.

During consultation on the plan, CRANAplus put forward a submission focused on how to best support career pathways and development strategies, including through mentoring and clinical supervision.

In 2021, the Commonwealth Government asked health stakeholders for their input towards the development of a digital health blueprint, underlining the role digital can play in delivering an improved and more contemporary healthcare system by 2030.

CRANAplus provided feedback to encourage access to and equity for digital health initiatives through infrastructure and inclusivity measures (language, culture and digital literacy). We highlighted the value of health professional access to skill development and increased digital literacy.

The Primary Health Care Reform Plan represents a response to the recommendations of the Primary Health Reform Steering Group, which has been working since October 2019 on future directions for primary health care reform. In 2021, the Federal Government sought feedback on the Consultation Draft to identify action areas.

CRANAplus provided feedback to the Primary Health Care Reform in support of culturally appropriate PHC, recognising social determinants of health in remote and isolated settings. Our feedback also supported sustainable workforce strategies and equitable access to health care practitioners in support of delivering quality PHC.

CRANAplus signed the open letter to the Prime minister of Australia calling for action on climate change for the future health and wellbeing of Australians.

The National Health Preventative Strategy 2021-2030 aims to improve the health and wellbeing of all Australians at all stages of life, through a systems-based approach to prevention that addresses the wider determinants of health, reduces health inequities and decreases the overall burden of disease.

CRANAplus provided feedback advocating for a coordinated approach with relevant organisations when developing the National Preventative Health Strategy that included and acknowledged the cultural strengths and needs of rural and remote communities.

CRANAplus provided feedback focusing upon the drivers and motivations of the remote nursing and midwifery workforce, factors supporting retention, and strategies to support the sustainability of the remote workforce through supporting professional and personal wellbeing.

The South Australia Rural Nursing and Midwifery Workforce Plan 2021-2026 was developed through engagement and consultation with rural clinicians, regional and metropolitan local health networks, training and workforce providers, and a range of other stakeholders. It is a broad plan to grow and strengthen the regional, rural and remote nursing and midwifery workforce.

In reference to the Consultation Draft, CRANAplus presented feedback on proposals and a range of options to support recruitment, retention and professional development of the workforce within the South Australian context. Concerns and priorities of CRANAplus members informed the scope of CRANAplus’ feedback.

CRANAplus made a report to the enquiry on behalf of and in consultation with Tasmanian CRANAplus members. Utilising the feedback provided by Tasmanian CRANAplus, members a range of concerns were raised around healthcare delivery and professional issues experienced by the Tasmanian community and Tasmanian members.

The House Standing Committee on Indigenous Affairs ran an inquiry and reported on the issue of food prices and food security in remote Indigenous communities, with a focus upon factors contributing to higher prices and situations where prices are considered unreasonable or potential price gouging.

In crafting this submission, CRANAplus wove together the storytelling of our members and networks who have the lived experience of delivering health care services to remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Our feedback outlined the challenges facing remote communities and made various recommendations to support access to reliable, affordable, quality food.

Read our feedback on the “Discussion Paper for Consultation: Rural Allied Health Quality, Access and Distribution – Options for Commonwealth Government Policy Reform and Investment.” This paper was written to facilitate feedback on proposed Commonwealth options that will address quality, access and distribution challenges related to the delivery of regional, rural and remote allied health services in Australia.