Ministerial Briefing: Health Ministry To The State- Letter Writing Assignment

Internal Code: 1HJBA

Letter Writing Assignment:

Task: PURPOSE • Present a short, clear statement of the purpose of this briefing note. BACKGROUND • Identify the current problem, proposition or issue that you want the Minister to consider. • Bring the Minister up to date with the current context relevant to the problem, proposition or issue and inform him/her about relevant historical facts (eg political, social, economic, epidemiological). ISSUES • Identify issues that are pertinent to understanding the policy topic • Analyse these issues from multiple perspectives eg historical, financial, economic, political, social, environmental, ethical) and interpret their significance. In doing so, draw on relevant evidence. • Interpret what these issues mean in terms of community support/opposition, service provision, professional groups perspectives, costs, etc. • The focus of this section is on analysis and interpretation of issues not on description. POLICY OPTIONS • Identify 2-3 policy options. • For each policy option, briefly describe the position being proposed, discuss advantages/disadvantages (eg. community support or opposition, costs and benefits, professional/service provider disquiet, equity/access concerns, new infrastructure, etc.) and consider likely implications if approved. • Policy options need to be feasible and achievable (they must be realistic if the Minister is to provide support). RECOMMENDATION/S • State a small number (1-3) of clear recommendations to the Minister eg recommendations for policy positions, decisions, actions or expenditures.