Health, human rights, and the policy process

Abstract

[Extract] The health care systems and health status of Aboriginal Australians are shaped by history, and social and political forces that predominantly reflect the values and ideologies of the broader Australian population. Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders have by far the worst health status of any identifiable group in Australia, and the poorest access to health systems. Therefore, their potential capacity to benefit from well-targeted interventions is very high. Well-developed health sector policies and strategies can enable these interventions, contribute material resources, support efficiencies, encourage intersectoral collaboration, and stimulate significant innovations that reduce health inequities.