Performance Information for Administered Items
Population Health, including:
A strong infrastructure to support evidence-based prevention activities progressed through collaborations, such as the National Public Health Partnership (NPHP) and its sub-committees, the National Health and Medical Research Council, national non-government health organisations, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the Australian Network of Academic Public Health Institutions, in the following areas:
research and development;
information planning, development and coordination;
public health law;
education, research training and workforce development; and
strategic financing mechanisms for population health activity.
Measure
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Result
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Quality:
Targeted research and development is conducted through recognised peer review selection processes.
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Measure met. For example:
publication of the Returns on Investment in Public Health Report;
review of Food Safety initiatives by national committees; and
publication of research papers on pneumococcal and Haemophilus Influenzae type B disease were conducted by the National Centre for Immunisation Research.
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Implementation of the Human Quarantine Legislation Final Report November 2000 recommendations, including amendments to the Act, by December 2002.
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Measure partially met. The Quarantine Amendment (Health) Bill 2003 is scheduled for introduction in the first week of the Spring Sittings, 2003.
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Development of nationally agreed research priorities for the three health inequalities research networks.
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Measure met. The networks have reviewed the available evidence and have provided recommendations for research priorities.
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Midterm review of Public Health Outcome Funding Agreements completed by June 2003.
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Measure partially met. Review by an Interdepartmental Committee, required by new Australian Government guidelines, commenced in June 2003.
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Review and revision of the NPHP National Public Health Information Development Plan.
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Measure met. The National Public Health Information Development Plan reviewed and a draft Second Plan prepared for the National Public Health Information Working Group.
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Implementation and ongoing Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council endorsement of the NPHP work program.
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Measure met. The NPHP Memorandum of Understanding for 2003-07 was signed in February 2003. Work is continuing on public health strategies endorsed by the Health Ministers’ Advisory Council.
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Quinquennial review of the National Centres in HIV Research to commence in mid 2002.
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Measure met. The Quinquennial Review of the National Centres in HIV Research, by panels of independent expert assessors, was completed in 2002.
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Quantity:
Research funding provided to 9 national research centres and 1 research foundation in the areas of HIV/AIDS, men’s and women’s health, alcohol and other drugs.
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Measure met:
core funding of $7.6 million provided to the 3 national centres in HIV research and the 1 collaborating centre: the National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research; the National Centre in HIV Virology Research; the National Centre in HIV Social Research; and the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (a collaborating centre to the National Centre in HIV Social Research);
Andrology Australia provided with funding of $4 million over 4 years. Key priorities include the detection and management of prostrate disease and cancer, uncomplicated lower urinary tract symptoms, testicular cancer, the effects of androgens, impotence and male sub-fertility;
funding provided to continue the Women’s Longitudinal Health Study;
funding provided to the three national drug and alcohol research centres, being the National Drug Research Centre, the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction and the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre; and
funding provided to continue research at the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation;
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Three Health Inequality Research Collaboration Networks supported.
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Measure met. The three networks have completed literature reviews in effective interventions for addressing health inequalities in Australia. Workshops with key stakeholders have been held to disseminate current evidence on health inequalities.
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Between 400 and 600 completions per annum of public health awards across all universities funded under the Public Health Education and Research Program.
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Changes to the way the data is reported have resulted in difficulties compiling information on completions in time for publication. However, it is anticipated that the measure will have been met.
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Facilitate the introduction of new Food Safety Standards to provide more effective protection of consumers from foodborne pathogens and other food caused injury;
Enhancement of foodborne illness surveillance and monitoring arrangements for Australia;
Measure
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Result
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Quality:
Timely completion of the program of work to facilitate the introduction of Food Safety Standards.
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Measure met. The 2 year program of work on food safety is largely complete, and provides a robust evidence base for considering policy options for food safety management in Australia.
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Improved quality of data on foodborne illness in the development of a policy framework.
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Measure met. OzFoodNet provides a cost effective surveillance system for standardised, comprehensive national data on foodborne illness, coordination of cross border outbreak investigations, and regulatory responses to contamination of the food supply.
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Strategic health protection initiatives (including development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programs) particularly in the following cluster:
communicable diseases (eg immunisation programs, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, and environmental health);
Measure
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Result
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Quality:
Findings from evaluations and reviews used effectively to improve strategies or action plans, for example:
the new strategy by the National Immunisation Strategy Development Group;
review of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy; and
review of the National Hepatitis C Strategy.
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Measure met. Findings from reviews have been used to improve strategies and action plans including:
the Department commissioned independent reviews of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy and the National Hepatitis C Strategy. These reports will contribute to our knowledge of the current issues relating to HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C and inform the Department on the future direction of Australia’s management of these communicable diseases;
a review of OzFoodNet completed in November 2002. Recommendations are now being used to improve links to animal epidemiology and monitoring across the whole of the food supply chain; and
results from the review of the Indigenous environmental health workforce are being used to revise population health workforce competencies.
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Health promotion initiatives to address lifestyle risk factors (ie illicit drugs; poor nutrition; lack of physical activity; excessive alcohol intake; and smoking) and the prevention and reduction of injury;
Measure
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Result
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Quality:
Strategies developed or implemented in a timely manner using a sound evidence base.
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Measure met. A number of strategies were developed or implemented using a sound evidence base including:
Phase 1 of the Illicit Drug Diversion (Phase 2 beginning 1 July 2003);
the National Illicit Drug Strategy ‘Tough on Drugs’ including the Non-Government Organisation Treatment Grants Program, the Community Partnerships Initiative, the Training Frontline Workers Initiative and the Australian Drug Information Network;
the National Tobacco Strategy, with emphasis on Indigenous smoking, reviews of health warnings and the Tobacco Advertising Prohibition Act 1992, and development of national smoking cessation guidelines for general practice;
the Strategic Injury Prevention Partnership: Priorities for 2001-03; and
the National Falls Prevention for Older People Initiative.
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Specific activities to prevent chronic disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples fostered.
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Measure met. For example:
in conjunction with State and Territory Health Services, a package has been developed to assist Aboriginal community stores to provide safe food;
the National Drug Strategy: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Complementary Action Plan developed on behalf of the Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy. This involved a 2 stage national consultation process including rural and remote communities;
Indigenous sentinel study commissioned under the Illicit Drug Diversion Initiative and a report completed with recommendations for further action;
all 3 of the Prime Minister’s petrol sniffing diversion projects are underway in the Northern Territory;
a Volatile Substance Misuse Prevention project in South East Queensland and an Alcohol Diversion project in the Cape York region have commenced;
a 1 year project to provide treatment services for people sniffing petrol on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara and Amata Lands in South Australia has also commenced; and
child nutrition projects in Indigenous communities.
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Completion by June 2003 of action plan for the Smoking, Nutrition, Alcohol and Physical Activity (SNAP) framework for action by GPs.
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Measure met. Raising awareness of the SNAP Framework for General Practice and implementation of key priority areas is being led by the SNAP Implementation Group. SNAP Framework is influencing other policies and programs.
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Engagement of all relevant organisations and groups in the development and implementation of strategies.
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Measure met. For example:
the National Public Health Partnership have had an overarching role in communicable diseases, environmental health and injury;
ATSIC and the National Indigenous Environmental Health Forum continued collaboration with the Department on Indigenous environmental health issues;
Diversion Reference Groups in each jurisdiction provided expert advice to the Australian Government for the evaluation of the Illicit Drug Diversion Initiative and its supporting measures;
the Australian National Council on Drugs provided expert advice to the Australian Government on the scope of Phase 2 of the Diversion Initiative;
the Australian National Council on Drugs, the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia, and the Inter Governmental Committee on Drugs informed the implementation of the Non-Government Organisation Treatment Grants Program and the Community Partnerships Initiative; and
the Australian Network of Academic Public Health Institutions worked in partnership with the Department on the Quality Enhancement Outcomes framework strategy.
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Quantity:
7 major program strategies and/or action plans being implemented.
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Measure met. Strategies implemented include:
National Immunisation Strategy;
National HIV/AIDS Strategy;
National Hepatitis C Strategy;
National Environmental Health Strategy and Implementation Plan;
National Illicit Drug Diversion Initiative;
National Injury Prevention Plan: Priorities for 2001-2003;
National Falls Prevention for Older People Initiative; and
Public Health and Education Research Program Phase 3.
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The development, implementation and evaluation of communication and social marketing programs in key population health areas, based on optimum practice models; and
Measure
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Result
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Quality:
Evaluations show that initiatives have impacted positively against objectives.
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Measure met. For example:
the National HIV/AIDS Strategy has achieved important goals, including a decrease in HIV infection rates early in the period of the current strategy; deaths from AIDS-related illnesses steadily declined from the already relatively low levels, and many HIV-positive people continue to have relatively good health; improved understanding of the HIV/AIDS epidemic due to research and improved surveillance; targeted HIV/AIDS education and prevention programs; and partnerships established at all levels of government with affected community, peak bodies, and the medical, allied health care and research sectors. However, it is of concern that there has been a small nationwide increase in HIV diagnoses over the past year, and this will be addressed in the development of the next National HIV/AIDS Strategy;
the National Alcohol Campaign continues to communicate effectively with parents and teenagers, evidenced by high levels of recall, attention to, and acceptance of messages; and
a significant decrease in smoking prevalence has been observed over the period of the National Tobacco Campaign.
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The development, implementation and/or evaluation of social marketing programs in key population health areas, such as tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs, cancer screening and immunisation.
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Measure met. The following activities were supported by communication strategies:
the National Meningococcal C Vaccination program;
Bowel Cancer Screening trials; and
new phases of the National Alcohol and Tobacco Campaigns.
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Implementation of a broader communication strategy using collaborative bodies and partnership arrangements as well as web- based tools to convey population health research, data and information.
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Measure met. For example:
communication to the general community, immunisation providers and government and non- government sectors depends on information provided through the Immunise Australia Program website. This information includes data on vaccine preventable diseases and national immunisation programs. In addition, information is provided to stakeholders through professional body’s newsletters and other mechanisms; and
both the National Alcohol and Tobacco Campaigns formed strategic partnerships with influential Australian industries—the music industry for alcohol and the fashion industry for tobacco. These partnerships offered additional resources and delivered campaign messages to young people within their ‘own’ environments and with enhanced credibility. On-line media is now a vital channel to deliver information to, and collect feedback from, target audiences of population health social marketing campaigns. For example, visits to the National Tobacco Campaign’s website rose steadily over the period of campaign activity to promote World No Tobacco Day on 31 May 2003. The number of visits to the site was 7,440 in April 2003 prior to commencement of concerted campaign activity. The number of visits grew to 36,625 in June 2003—an increase of nearly 500%.
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Quantity:
At least 2 social marketing programs in key population health areas.
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Measure met. For example:
National Meningococcal C Vaccination Program Awareness Campaign;
National Alcohol Campaign; and
National Tobacco Campaign.
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International health policies and standard setting which support and inform best practice in Australia and accord with Australia’s health objectives:
primary carriage and coordination of Australia’s whole-of-government response to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), including a leadership role in the Western Pacific Region; and
International Health Regulations;
Implementation of a public health capacity building project with Indonesia, supported by funding from AusAID.
Compliance with treaty obligations to support the WHO.
Measure
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Result
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Quality:
Provision of high quality policy support to the Australian member of the FCTC Bureau.
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Measure met. The Australian delegation played a major part in the negotiations for the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The Department of Health and Ageing led the delegation.
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In conjunction with AusAID, effective facilitation of Western Pacific Regions participation in the development of the FCTC, and promotion of tobacco control capacity in the region.
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Measure met. Funding for a tobacco control scientist position in the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office was extended to May 2003, the target date for adoption of the FCTC. The success of strategies undertaken was evident in the commitment of the region generally to the negotiations.
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Management of Australia’s participation as a collaborating country in the Review of the International Health Regulations.
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Measure met. The Department hosted a visit by members of the Review Team and has provided input to relevant components of Phase 2 of the review.
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Support for effective public health collaboration between Australia and Indonesia.
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Measure met. For example:
successful health delegation in March to Jakarta for the Australia Indonesia Ministerial forum, co-chaired by Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Alexander Downer MP, and his Indonesian counterpart;
two productive bilateral Health Working Group meetings, the first chaired by the Secretary, Jane Halton, in Canberra and the second chaired by Dr Dadi S. Argadiredja, Secretary General of the Indonesian Ministry of Health in Jakarta; and
positive feedback from Indonesia at the successful conclusion of two Government Sector Linkages Programs which established important frameworks for strengthening capacity under health sector reform in the decentralised Indonesian system. Both projects achieved proven sustainability when they were extended with the support of key organisations including the WHO, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.
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Timely payment of contributions to the WHO and to other international organisations. Australia is under treaty and MoU obligations to pay an assessed contribution to these organisations.
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Measure met. 100% of payments were made on time to the WHO and its subsidiary organisations the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the International program for Chemical Safety (IPCS).
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Quantity:
Payment of contributions to three international organisations.
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Measure met. Timely contributions totalling $12.5 million were made to the WHO and its subsidiary organisations IARC and the IPCS; and during 2003 the Department became a trustee member of the International Union of Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE).
| Performance Information for Departmental Outputs -
Policy advice in relation to:
population health issues and strategic directions;
National Public Health Partnership activities;
public health law;
progress and impact of the national population health strategies;
population health status and inequalities in health;
national and international trends which pose a challenge to population health and safety and coordinated responses to disease outbreaks;
relations with the WHO and other international agencies concerning health matters;
meeting international public health obligations covered by international treaties;
implementation of COAG food reforms and development of national food policy framework; and
fostering collaboration with States and Territories, consumers and industry to reduce foodborne illness in Australia.
Measure
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Result
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Quality:
A high level of satisfaction of the Ministers, Parliamentary Secretary and Ministers’ Offices with the relevance, quality and timeliness of policy advice, Question Time Briefs, Parliamentary Questions on Notice and briefings.
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The Minister and Minister's Office were satisfied with the relevance, quality and timeliness of policy advice, Question Time Briefs, Parliamentary Questions on Notice and briefings.
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Agreed timeframes are met for responses to ministerial correspondence, Question Time Briefs, Parliamentary Questions on Notice and ministerial requests for briefing.
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Agreed timeframes were met for:
95% of Ministerial correspondence;
97% of Question Time Briefs;
79% of Parliamentary Questions on Notice; and
82% of Ministerial requests for briefing.
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A high level of stakeholder satisfaction with the quality and timeliness of departmental/portfolio inputs to national and international policy, planning and strategy development and implementation
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Measure met. Positive feedback received from stakeholders. For example:
DFAT, regarding coordination and input on three Free Trade Agreements:
United States Australia Free Trade Agreement (USAFTA);
Singapore Australia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA); and
Australia-Thailand Closer Economic Relations Free Trade Agreement (CER-FTA).
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Positive feedback from international organisations and other countries on Australian contributions.
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Measure met. For example:
positive feedback with invitations to Australian representatives to present papers at regional workshops on chronic disease prevention, SARS and family planning services;
positive responses from China, Thailand and Indonesia to bilateral agreements, with requests for further strengthening of relations and renewal of the agreements;
a delegation of Japanese Government officials and mental health academics met with their Australian counterparts in Canberra. They acknowledged Australia’s place as a leader in mental health both domestically and abroad;
positive feedback received from the OECD on Australia’s contribution to the OECD health project; and
bilateral exchange of health information including first hand feedback from senior Indonesian Ministry of Health officials about progress with plans for health system reform in Indonesia; and positive responses from the Thai Ministry of Public Health regarding recent cooperative initiatives on Rural Health and Decentralisation under the AusAID funded Government Sector Linkages Program (AGSLP).
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Responses contribute to the work of the WHO.
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Measure met:
100 per cent of requests from WHO for information, feedback and advice relating to various health issues, research, data and campaigns were met with accurate and timely responses; and
successful participation in WHO meetings and fora including significant roles in the FCTC and reforming of the WHO executive.
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Quantity:
95% of requests for information on public health issues are successfully responded to.
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Measure met. For example, all requests from individuals and non-government organisations are promptly actioned.
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Quality:
Positive feedback from stakeholders regarding implementation of COAG food reforms.
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Measure met. Structural reforms are in place and operating effectively. Implementation of the reforms will be formally reviewed during 2004-05.
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Positive feedback from stakeholders regarding work undertaken to reduce foodborne illness in Australia.
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Measure met. Positive feedback from stakeholders on OzFoodNet and the assessment of food safety management systems.
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A high level of stakeholder satisfaction with relevance, quality and timeliness of information and education services.
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Measure met. For example:
feedback through peak bodies and immunisation committees conclude that information on immunisation is provided in a timely manner and is appropriate and of a high standard.
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Timely production of evidence-based policy research to inform and engage stakeholders in meaningful policy and program discussions.
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Measure met. For example, the Returns on Investment Report in Public Health: An Epidemiological and Economic Analysis report was published in April 2003. This report provided evidence to support the case for government investment in prevention activities.
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Quantity:
1,400-1,500 responses to ministerial correspondence, 150-170 Question Time Briefs, 10-20 Parliamentary Questions on Notice and 30-50 ministerial requests for briefings.
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There were approximately:
1,407 items of ministerial correspondence items processed;
286 Question Time Briefs prepared;
19 responses to Parliamentary Questions on Notice; and
103 ministerial briefings prepared.
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Quality:
Revision and maintenance of the Population Health Division Website.
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Measure met. Web site reviewed and maintained on an ongoing basis.
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Program management, including:
financial management and reporting on population health programs;
collection, use and dissemination of quality health information to support the development and implementation of evidence based population health strategies and programs;
placement of WHO fellows;
administration of grants and contracts; and
Measure
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Result
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Quality:
A high level of stakeholder satisfaction with the timely development and implementation of national strategies.
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Measure met. For example:
the National Environmental Health Strategy 1999 is largely implemented, with good responses to the guidance documents produced. The strategy is currently being reviewed for stakeholder satisfaction with its implementation. The review will guide the next phase of the strategy.
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Budget predictions are met and actual cash flows vary by less than 5% from predicted cash flows.
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Measure met. Monthly reviews confirm target achieved.
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100% of payments are made accurately and on time.
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Measure met. Monthly reviews confirm target achieved.
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A high level of stakeholder satisfaction with relevance, quality and timeliness of information and education services.
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Measure met. For example:
positive feedback from stakeholders on development of national food, safety and surveillance resources.
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Placements arranged to achieve optimum development of WHO fellows.
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Measure met. High quality training opportunities were provided to all WHO fellowship awardees that were offered Australian study awards in priority health areas.
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Quantity:
95% of requests for the placement of WHO fellows are appropriately responded to.
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Measure met. 100% of requests for the placement of WHO fellows are appropriately responded to.
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In the order of 700 grants and contracts administered.
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Measure met.
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Quality:
Ongoing administration of the eight Public Health Outcome Funding Agreements agreed with each State and Territory.
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Measure met. Continuing improvements made in the quality and timeliness of performance and financial reporting.
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Administration of the Tobacco Advertising Prohibition Act 1992 particularly in relation to breaches of the Act and compliance of exceptions.
Measure
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Result
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Quality:
Applications for exemption from the prohibition of tobacco advertising processed within statutory time frames.
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Measure met. There were three applications for events seeking exemption under section 18 during 2002-03. All were processed within the statutory timeframes:
Australian Indy 300;
Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix; and
Australian Formula One Grand Prix.
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Public inquiries on the administration of the Act to be dealt with promptly.
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Measure met. Inquiries were responded to by providing information over the telephone, sending out the Tobacco Advertising Prohibition Act 1992 Handbook and recommending that independent legal advice be sought. Legal advice was sought from within the Department for a small number of these inquiries. Where the Tobacco Advertising Prohibition Act 1992 was not applicable, inquiries were referred to the relevant State or Territory Government department.
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Possible breaches of the Act investigated and appropriate action taken.
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Measure met. There were approximately 27 possible breaches referred for investigation during 2002-03. Where appropriate, the Department suggested that correspondents seek their own independent legal advice. At 30 June 2003 there were 6 possible breaches that remain under investigation.
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Quantity:
Responses provided to 300-350 anticipated inquiries on the Act.
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There were approximately 200 public inquiries relating to the administration of the Act, all of which were promptly responded to.
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