The Closing the Gap Board-Subcommittee was established by the Governing board of MNCLHD in 2011 to embed accountability for Aboriginal health in the LHD. The purpose of the sub-committee is to ensure MNCLHD has appropriate and effective systems in place to actively monitor progress, actions, strategies and initiatives aimed at Closing the Gap in health outcomes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people on the MNC. The sub-committee’s role is to advise MNCLHD’s Governing Board on a comprehensive Close the Gap strategy for the LHD, ensuring alignment with National, State, and local plans, policies and directions. This includes monitoring the implementation and co-ordination of key strategies and reviewing Aboriginal Health performance reports to identify areas requiring intensified action.
In 2023, the Sub-committee underwent a review and subsequent reset with a key membership change to include 50% Aboriginal membership. This change ensures the expertise of Aboriginal voices is brought to the table and contributes to LHD policy, strategy and program development that impacts Aboriginal people. Members of the sub-committee includes Governing Board members, an ACCHO representative, MNCLHD Aboriginal staff and non-Aboriginal MNCLHD Executives.
The Sub-committee’s renewed focus and purpose is aimed to strengthen accountability throughout MNCLHD throughmonitoring the implementation of local, regional and state strategies for Aboriginal health, monitoring the LHD progress of key Closing the Gap KPIs, having oversight of all current and emerging programs, services and reforms that have a significant impact on Aboriginal health including funding initiatives for Aboriginal health and conducting deep dives into LHD programs activity and expenditure to ensure equitable access for Aboriginal people.
LHD/SHN management Principle 4
