AMA Submission to Department of Health and Aged Care’s Draft National Consumer Engagement Strategy for Health and Wellbeing (NCESHW) Consultation
The Department of Health and Aged Care consulted on the draft National Consumer Engagement Strategy for Health and Wellbeing (NCESHW) in mid-2023. This Strategy is designed to strengthen partnerships between health policy makers and the community, as set out in one of the immediate priorities for action under the National Preventive Health Strategy 2021-2030.
The AMA agrees with the purpose, vision and aim of the NCESHW, if the Strategy is properly implemented, across all levels of government and preventive health policy making. The accountability and evaluation practices related to the Strategy are vital to its success and improving preventative health in Australia. This includes understanding that Australians have diverse needs, and varied health literacy capabilities which must be catered for in consultation processes. The diverse needs of consumers and equity of opportunity to be involved in engagement, must be prioritised in the strategy.
