Policy

AMSANT is committed to providing high quality, evidence-based policy advice to the sector and, where relevant, to government ministers and agencies. AMSANT has a Policy Officer who is responsible for providing advice to the Executive Officer and Board on relevant health policy issues and developing policy papers and positions, including where appropriate, for adoption by AMSANT as official policy.

The Policy Officer is also able to draw on the experience and expertise from other AMSANT staff, including the Public Health Medical Officers, and staff from our member organisations. The Public Health Network, which is coordinated by AMSANT, also provides input on policy issues from clinicians among our members, as well as from clinicians from government and other community-based services.

Major policy areas include comprehensive Primary Health Care, community control, health planning and workforce issues, substance misuse, social and emotional well-being, families and children, and the social determinants of health.

Recent AMSANT discussion papers, position statements and policies include:

• Response to the Commonwealth’s ‘intervention’ into the NT
• Alcohol Policy
• Incorporation of Mental Health into Primary Health Services
• Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS)