Principle 4: The NSW Health system is held accountable for improving outcomes for Aboriginal people at each level of decision making and governance

What is the aim of this principle?

This principle aims to:

embed system accountability for Aboriginal health into NSW Health clinical, governance, performance and accountability mechanisms, including accountability for framework principles
strengthen NSW Health systems and mechanisms to increase accountability for Aboriginal health, including strengthening the NSW Health Performance Framework, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Aboriginal Health for NSW Health services and NSW Health funded services, and the NSW Health Corporate Governance Compendium
identify where NSW Health can be held accountable through independent and Aboriginal-led bodies, including NSW CTG accountability mechanisms
embed Aboriginal voices in the accountability and governance mechanisms for NSW Health, including Aboriginal people being included in performance, evaluation and monitoring processes
ensure NSW Health is held accountable for improving health outcomes for Aboriginal people, in line with its purpose to provide safe, high-quality and compassionate health care to all NSW residents.

“ Funding for Aboriginal health needs to be equitable. It needs to go where the needs are.”
ACCHO CEO,
Community Controlled Consultation

Why is this important?

Strong accountability mechanisms are needed to drive and implement change. This includes being transparent and responsive, and putting in place effective ‘checks and balances’ to ensure that power is being used responsibly and the public interest is being served.

It is important that the NSW Health system is held accountable for improving Aboriginal health, which is ‘everyone’s business’ and responsibility.

For this principle to be effectively implemented, it is critical that NSW Health:

doesn’t place the accountability burden onto Aboriginal NSW Health staff and services and ensures that the accountability sits with the entire NSW Health system,
is held accountable to the independent NSW-wide Aboriginal accountability mechanism for CTG, which is being developed, established and supported through AANSW,
is transparent with Aboriginal stakeholders about matters that affect Aboriginal health, including being transparent on how funding is allocated,
implements CTG Priority Reform 4 ‘Shared access to data and information at a regional level,
uses existing accountability and performance mechanisms for where there are performance measures within NSW Health services relating to Aboriginal health,
embeds Aboriginal people into NSW Health performance and accountability mechanisms by identifying roles and positions in existing governance structures, including Ministry of Health Executive Governance and Performance Committees and LHD, SHN and Pillar Boards.

What does success look like for the NSW Health system?

Aboriginal health is strongly embedded into NSW Health accountability and performance mechanisms, to ensure that NSW Health services are held accountable for Aboriginal health outcomes.

Aboriginal people are included in NSW Health performance and accountability governance structures and are enabled to co-create what KPIs and accountability mechanisms are for Aboriginal health in NSW. NSW Health is held accountable to an independent statewide Aboriginal Accountability Mechanism for the implementation of CTG and for achieving Aboriginal health outcomes.

“ It is critical that the NSW Health system is held accountable for ensuring Aboriginal people are healthy and well.”
ACCHO CEO,
Community Controlled Consultation