Description
When compared with other women in Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are considered the most socially and economically disadvantaged and have the poorest health status. As research on the social determinants of health shows, socio-economic disadvantage is strongly associated with poor health outcomes. In this project, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who work in women?s health areas and in health services were invited to talk about their health priorities. This oral evidence was used in collaboration with evidence from other sources to develop a national health strategy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. There are three priority action areas identified, each with a set of recommendations. The priorities are supportive environments, health service access and equity, and women in the health workforce. The de-normalisation of violence is seen as essential to the first area. The report also recommends the establishment of a senior policy officer in Indigenous women’s health.