Content
Archived Public Consultation
Review of the NHMRC Road Map: A Strategic Framework for Improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health through Research
Initial information on how to participate
The overall objective of the NHMRC Road Map: A Strategic Framework for Improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health through Research, (the Road Map), has been to
‘advise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities throughout Australia, on the achievement and maintenance of the highest practicable standards of individual and public health ,and to foster research in the interests of improving those standards.’[1]
During its development in 2002, it was anticipated that the Road Map would be reviewed in 2007. This is being undertaken by the NHMRC in consultation with its key advisory committee on Indigenous health issues, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Research Advisory Committee (ATSIHRAC), which is chaired by Professor Cindy Shannon.
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Consultation workshops
Five consultation workshops will be held in 2008, one each in Townsville, Sydney, Perth, Melbourne and Alice Springs. This approach is being taken to ensure that the stakeholders involved in applying the Road Map are also involved in its review. Participants will be invited to provide information on their use of the Road Map and its perceived impact, and whether or not the research themes are still valid and important.
Dates for the Road Map review consultation workshops:
| Date | City | Venue |
| 20 May | Sydney | University of NSW |
| 23 May | Melbourne | Melbourne Zoo |
| 26 May | Alice Springs | Institute for Aboriginal Development |
| 3 June | Perth | Telethon Institute for Child Health Research |
| 12 June | Townsville | James Cook University |
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How to provide a written submission
For those unable to attend any of the workshops, the NHMRC is also offering an opportunity to have input to the review through written submissions. Workshop participants will be providing input to the review of the Road Map by responding to the questions listed below. Those providing a written submission are invited to follow a similar format. Written submissions need to be provided to Cathy Mitchell at the address below, by 6 June 2008.
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Questions for workshop participants and those providing a written submission
- Has the Road Map been used by you or your organisation to develop and implement research projects? If not, why?
- What do you envisage or acknowledge has been the impact of the Road Map on your research and researchers?
- Do the Road Map research themes and questions have ongoing importance? If not, what changes to the Road Map are desirable?
You may also want to comment on the following pre-identified performance measures:
- The number of Aboriginal or Torres strait Islander people who are research scholarship holders, research technicians and service interns;
- An increase in the number of priority and researcher driven projects funded out of NHMRC which are of the highest attainable scientific standards and have the capacity to contribute to meaningful health gain for Aboriginal or Torres strait Islander peoples;
- Improved mechanisms within the NHMRC for monitoring and evaluating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research activities and support;
- The number of communities that report positive outcomes as a result of their involvement in research;
- The growth and strengthening of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research networks, especially those involved in health research; and
- The number of organisations that have endorsed and adopted the Road Map principles and priorities will reflect the effectiveness of the Road Map.
Information about the Road Map review can be obtained by contacting Cathy Mitchell, Director of Strategic Partnerships: tel. (02) 6217 9384 or email cathy.mitchell@nhmrc.gov.au.
Footnotes
The NHMRC Road Map: A Strategic Framework for Improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health through Research, p. 3, 2002.
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