PHEWPH2018: La Trobe University- Wellbeing & Prevention in Health- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander- Essay Writing Assignment

Internal Code: 1HJBB

Essay Writing Assignment:

Task: To draw on your learning from Field Visits to understand the various determinants of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s health, and gain a critical perspective on strategies that have been used to improve health outcomes in these populations over the past 50 years and their impacts. Topic: For this assignment, you will research and write a 1,500 word essay on the following topic: The federal Minister for Health hasreceived the ninth Closing the Gap Report and is concerned that, in spite of good intentions and significant funding by successive governments, Australia is not on track to close the gap in life expectancy between Indigenous and other Australians by 2031 (Commonwealth of Australia, 2017). The Minister is particularly concerned about the mixed record of success in meeting the health targets set, the entrenched inequalities in health outcomes and the long-term implications of this for the health and wellbeing of Indigenous populations. Your team has been appointed to investigate the question: Why do Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations still experience significant inequalities in health? You will include consideration of this quote in your essay: "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health is viewed in a holistic context, that encompasses mental health and physical, cultural and spiritual health. Land is central to wellbeing. Crucially, it must be understood that when the harmony of these interrelations is disrupted, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ill health will persist." (Commonwealth Department of Health, 2017) You will also identify and critically review three or more strategies that have been used to improve the health of Indigenous populations in Australia over the past 50 years.