Accessible and safely managed water and sanitation can provide a range of social benefits, includ... more Accessible and safely managed water and sanitation can provide a range of social benefits, including economic wellbeing, safety, upholding of rights, resilience during disasters, gender equity and public health.
Australia is positioned next to south-east Asia, where one billion people lack access to safe and accessible sanitation facilities. Half of the population in the Pacific island countries lack access to such facilities, while poor hygiene and unsanitary living conditions have contributed to children in remote Australian Aboriginal communities experiencing a higher rate of common infectious diseases than in large urban communities.
In 2000, the United Nations (UN) sought to improve access to clean, safe water (and, later, sanitation) as part of its global development agenda – which included establishing the Millennium Development Goals. These goals were significant in influencing the actions, strategies and investment focus of bilateral and multilateral development agencies, as well as influencing the foreign aid priorities of donor countries.
In 2015, the UN updated its development agenda, outlining 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved in all countries globally by 2030. The SDGs included a goal specifically focused on water and sanitation (SDG 6) to ‘ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all’. Under SDG 6, six targets encompass the improvement of drinking water, sanitation and hygiene through reduced pollution, improved efficiency, integrated management, and protection of ecosystems; while two additional targets outline the implementation approaches. Water is explicitly mentioned in relation to four additional SDGs, those concerned with health (SDG 3), disasters (SDG 11), pollution (SDG 12), and environment (SDG 15).
Australia is one of the 193 UN member countries that formally agreed to the SDGs on 25 September 2015. Australia has outlined its commitment to the SDGs through its foreign development aid and other support, but has not clarified its intended domestic implementation of the SDGs. This new UN ‘home-and-region’ development perspective requires consideration of policy implementation questions as to how Australia should address the water-related aspects of the SDGs to attain equity and wellbeing both within its own borders and through assisting nearby neighbours. This policy challenge is explored in this discussion paper ahead of the high level political forum in July 2016, which Australia’s Prime Minister is expected to attend. There are at least three strategic options for Australia in supporting the attainment of the SDGs both domestically and within the Asia Pacific region. These can be termed a business as usual approach; a focus on removing specific ‘roadblocks’ to improvement; and adopting a more holistic, integrated approach to the attainment of the SDGs.
The business-as-usual approach would have little impact, since it would take a check-list or siloed approach which is likely to overlook the complex interlinkages, trade-offs, synergies, positive and negative feedback loops, and it could neglect the need for adequately preparing foundational conditions prior to interventions towards SDG targets. The removing ‘roadblocks’ approach provides a narrow obstacle-focused approach to the attainment of a diverse set of aspirational goals. Integrated thinking and operationalisation using a systems approach to problem-solving allows SDG targets to be identified that contribute to multiple goals, and prioritises these critical targets to increase the impact and feasibility of achieving the SDGs.
A ‘whole of system’ approach is recommended to guide Australia’s planning in response to SDG 6 to ensure enhancements and avoid unintended or perverse outcomes. This discussion paper presents seven recommendations for Australian Government agencies to consider in their SDG planning and attainment: Recommendation 1 – Identify the status of SDG 6 challenges both within Australia and in our region Recommendation 2 – Apply SDG 6 targets both within Australia and in our region Recommendation 3 – Adopt appropriate government policy coordination arrangements and oversight Recommendation 4 – Monitor the achievement of the SDG targets in Australia and our region Recommendation 5 – Consider the SDGs as a coherent ‘set’ with interlinkages and feedbacks Recommendation 6 – Adopt a systems approach to ensure positive synergies and avoid perverse effects Recommendation 7 – Support SDG 6 through Integrated Water Resource Management frameworks.
A companion discussion paper from The University of Queensland to accompany this will be published in September 2016. It will propose a systems map of the 17 SDGs to achieve the best outcomes, and offer a practical road map for the implementation that reflects these recommendations.
Recent research as part of a multi-disciplinary investigation on the acceptability and impact of ... more Recent research as part of a multi-disciplinary investigation on the acceptability and impact of male circumcision for HIV prevention in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has shown that health workers (HWs) undertake unauthorized forms of penile cutting practices in public health facilities or in community settings, at times within a traditional context. Participation in these activities shares common features with coping mechanisms, strategies used by HWs to alleviate the burden of unsatisfactory living and working conditions. Coping mechanisms, however, are typically described as motivated by economic advantage, but in PNG evidence exists that the behaviours of HWs are also influenced by opportunities for social capital. Twenty-five in-depth interviews (IDIs) were completed with a variety of HWs from 2009 until 2011 and were triangulated with findings from 45 focus group discussions and 82 IDIs completed with community members as part of a wider qualitative study. Thematic analysis examined ...
Australian health review : a publication of the Australian Hospital Association, 2014
This paper examines the response of a regional body, the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (I... more This paper examines the response of a regional body, the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH), coordinating Aboriginal community controlled health organisations (ACCHOs) in south-east Queensland, to research evidence as they prioritise and plan services in response to internal economic and organisational factors, as well as external policy change. An event-based analysis of a quarterly management meeting of the IUIH allowed an exploration of how the IUIH uses a range of evidence to respond to the challenges faced within the Aboriginal community controlled health sector. The study identified three distinct but interconnected processes: (1) identifying evidence for change; (2) exploring and reframing this evidence; and (3) the application of this evidence at different levels of policy and practice. These processes were evident in each of the three major agendas addressed during the meeting, namely navigating current political change, reforming the ACCHO business model and refr...
3.3 Identification of child and adolescent psychiatric in-patient units in England and Wales ....... more 3.3 Identification of child and adolescent psychiatric in-patient units in England and Wales ...........................................................................................................................................16 3.3.1 Published lists........................................ ... ... 3.6 Admissions of young people with mental disorder to ...
Accessible and safely managed water and sanitation can provide a range of social benefits, includ... more Accessible and safely managed water and sanitation can provide a range of social benefits, including economic wellbeing, safety, upholding of rights, resilience during disasters, gender equity and public health.
Australia is positioned next to south-east Asia, where one billion people lack access to safe and accessible sanitation facilities. Half of the population in the Pacific island countries lack access to such facilities, while poor hygiene and unsanitary living conditions have contributed to children in remote Australian Aboriginal communities experiencing a higher rate of common infectious diseases than in large urban communities.
In 2000, the United Nations (UN) sought to improve access to clean, safe water (and, later, sanitation) as part of its global development agenda – which included establishing the Millennium Development Goals. These goals were significant in influencing the actions, strategies and investment focus of bilateral and multilateral development agencies, as well as influencing the foreign aid priorities of donor countries.
In 2015, the UN updated its development agenda, outlining 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved in all countries globally by 2030. The SDGs included a goal specifically focused on water and sanitation (SDG 6) to ‘ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all’. Under SDG 6, six targets encompass the improvement of drinking water, sanitation and hygiene through reduced pollution, improved efficiency, integrated management, and protection of ecosystems; while two additional targets outline the implementation approaches. Water is explicitly mentioned in relation to four additional SDGs, those concerned with health (SDG 3), disasters (SDG 11), pollution (SDG 12), and environment (SDG 15).
Australia is one of the 193 UN member countries that formally agreed to the SDGs on 25 September 2015. Australia has outlined its commitment to the SDGs through its foreign development aid and other support, but has not clarified its intended domestic implementation of the SDGs. This new UN ‘home-and-region’ development perspective requires consideration of policy implementation questions as to how Australia should address the water-related aspects of the SDGs to attain equity and wellbeing both within its own borders and through assisting nearby neighbours. This policy challenge is explored in this discussion paper ahead of the high level political forum in July 2016, which Australia’s Prime Minister is expected to attend. There are at least three strategic options for Australia in supporting the attainment of the SDGs both domestically and within the Asia Pacific region. These can be termed a business as usual approach; a focus on removing specific ‘roadblocks’ to improvement; and adopting a more holistic, integrated approach to the attainment of the SDGs.
The business-as-usual approach would have little impact, since it would take a check-list or siloed approach which is likely to overlook the complex interlinkages, trade-offs, synergies, positive and negative feedback loops, and it could neglect the need for adequately preparing foundational conditions prior to interventions towards SDG targets. The removing ‘roadblocks’ approach provides a narrow obstacle-focused approach to the attainment of a diverse set of aspirational goals. Integrated thinking and operationalisation using a systems approach to problem-solving allows SDG targets to be identified that contribute to multiple goals, and prioritises these critical targets to increase the impact and feasibility of achieving the SDGs.
A ‘whole of system’ approach is recommended to guide Australia’s planning in response to SDG 6 to ensure enhancements and avoid unintended or perverse outcomes. This discussion paper presents seven recommendations for Australian Government agencies to consider in their SDG planning and attainment: Recommendation 1 – Identify the status of SDG 6 challenges both within Australia and in our region Recommendation 2 – Apply SDG 6 targets both within Australia and in our region Recommendation 3 – Adopt appropriate government policy coordination arrangements and oversight Recommendation 4 – Monitor the achievement of the SDG targets in Australia and our region Recommendation 5 – Consider the SDGs as a coherent ‘set’ with interlinkages and feedbacks Recommendation 6 – Adopt a systems approach to ensure positive synergies and avoid perverse effects Recommendation 7 – Support SDG 6 through Integrated Water Resource Management frameworks.
A companion discussion paper from The University of Queensland to accompany this will be published in September 2016. It will propose a systems map of the 17 SDGs to achieve the best outcomes, and offer a practical road map for the implementation that reflects these recommendations.
Recent research as part of a multi-disciplinary investigation on the acceptability and impact of ... more Recent research as part of a multi-disciplinary investigation on the acceptability and impact of male circumcision for HIV prevention in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has shown that health workers (HWs) undertake unauthorized forms of penile cutting practices in public health facilities or in community settings, at times within a traditional context. Participation in these activities shares common features with coping mechanisms, strategies used by HWs to alleviate the burden of unsatisfactory living and working conditions. Coping mechanisms, however, are typically described as motivated by economic advantage, but in PNG evidence exists that the behaviours of HWs are also influenced by opportunities for social capital. Twenty-five in-depth interviews (IDIs) were completed with a variety of HWs from 2009 until 2011 and were triangulated with findings from 45 focus group discussions and 82 IDIs completed with community members as part of a wider qualitative study. Thematic analysis examined ...
Australian health review : a publication of the Australian Hospital Association, 2014
This paper examines the response of a regional body, the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (I... more This paper examines the response of a regional body, the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH), coordinating Aboriginal community controlled health organisations (ACCHOs) in south-east Queensland, to research evidence as they prioritise and plan services in response to internal economic and organisational factors, as well as external policy change. An event-based analysis of a quarterly management meeting of the IUIH allowed an exploration of how the IUIH uses a range of evidence to respond to the challenges faced within the Aboriginal community controlled health sector. The study identified three distinct but interconnected processes: (1) identifying evidence for change; (2) exploring and reframing this evidence; and (3) the application of this evidence at different levels of policy and practice. These processes were evident in each of the three major agendas addressed during the meeting, namely navigating current political change, reforming the ACCHO business model and refr...
3.3 Identification of child and adolescent psychiatric in-patient units in England and Wales ....... more 3.3 Identification of child and adolescent psychiatric in-patient units in England and Wales ...........................................................................................................................................16 3.3.1 Published lists........................................ ... ... 3.6 Admissions of young people with mental disorder to ...
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Australia is positioned next to south-east Asia, where one billion people lack access to safe and accessible sanitation facilities. Half of the population in the Pacific island countries lack access to such facilities, while poor hygiene and unsanitary living conditions have contributed to children in remote Australian Aboriginal communities experiencing a higher rate of common infectious diseases than in large urban communities.
In 2000, the United Nations (UN) sought to improve access to clean, safe water (and, later, sanitation) as part of its global development agenda – which included establishing the Millennium Development Goals. These goals were significant in influencing the actions, strategies and investment focus of bilateral and multilateral development agencies, as well as influencing the foreign aid priorities of donor countries.
In 2015, the UN updated its development agenda, outlining 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved in all countries globally by 2030. The SDGs included a goal specifically focused on water and sanitation (SDG 6) to ‘ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all’. Under SDG 6, six targets encompass the improvement of drinking water, sanitation and hygiene through reduced pollution, improved efficiency, integrated management, and protection of ecosystems; while two additional targets outline the implementation approaches. Water is explicitly mentioned in relation to four additional SDGs, those concerned with health (SDG 3), disasters (SDG 11), pollution (SDG 12), and environment (SDG 15).
Australia is one of the 193 UN member countries that formally agreed to the SDGs on 25 September 2015. Australia has outlined its commitment to the SDGs through its foreign development aid and other support, but has not clarified its intended domestic implementation of the SDGs. This new UN ‘home-and-region’ development perspective requires consideration of policy implementation questions as to how Australia should address the water-related aspects of the SDGs to attain equity and wellbeing both within its own borders and through assisting nearby neighbours. This policy challenge is explored in this discussion paper ahead of the high level political forum in July 2016, which Australia’s Prime Minister is expected to attend.
There are at least three strategic options for Australia in supporting the attainment of the SDGs both domestically and within the Asia Pacific region. These can be termed a business as usual approach; a focus on removing specific ‘roadblocks’ to improvement; and adopting a more holistic, integrated approach to the attainment of the SDGs.
The business-as-usual approach would have little impact, since it would take a check-list or siloed approach which is likely to overlook the complex interlinkages, trade-offs, synergies, positive and negative feedback loops, and it could neglect the need for adequately preparing foundational conditions prior to interventions towards SDG targets. The removing ‘roadblocks’ approach provides a narrow obstacle-focused approach to the attainment of a diverse set of aspirational goals. Integrated thinking and operationalisation using a systems approach to problem-solving allows SDG targets to be identified that contribute to multiple goals, and prioritises these critical targets to increase the impact and feasibility of achieving the SDGs.
A ‘whole of system’ approach is recommended to guide Australia’s planning in response to SDG 6 to ensure enhancements and avoid unintended or perverse outcomes. This discussion paper presents seven recommendations for Australian Government agencies to consider in their SDG planning and attainment:
Recommendation 1 – Identify the status of SDG 6 challenges both within Australia and in our region
Recommendation 2 – Apply SDG 6 targets both within Australia and in our region
Recommendation 3 – Adopt appropriate government policy coordination arrangements and oversight
Recommendation 4 – Monitor the achievement of the SDG targets in Australia and our region
Recommendation 5 – Consider the SDGs as a coherent ‘set’ with interlinkages and feedbacks
Recommendation 6 – Adopt a systems approach to ensure positive synergies and avoid perverse effects
Recommendation 7 – Support SDG 6 through Integrated Water Resource Management frameworks.
A companion discussion paper from The University of Queensland to accompany this will be published in September 2016. It will propose a systems map of the 17 SDGs to achieve the best outcomes, and offer a practical road map for the implementation that reflects these recommendations.
Australia is positioned next to south-east Asia, where one billion people lack access to safe and accessible sanitation facilities. Half of the population in the Pacific island countries lack access to such facilities, while poor hygiene and unsanitary living conditions have contributed to children in remote Australian Aboriginal communities experiencing a higher rate of common infectious diseases than in large urban communities.
In 2000, the United Nations (UN) sought to improve access to clean, safe water (and, later, sanitation) as part of its global development agenda – which included establishing the Millennium Development Goals. These goals were significant in influencing the actions, strategies and investment focus of bilateral and multilateral development agencies, as well as influencing the foreign aid priorities of donor countries.
In 2015, the UN updated its development agenda, outlining 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved in all countries globally by 2030. The SDGs included a goal specifically focused on water and sanitation (SDG 6) to ‘ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all’. Under SDG 6, six targets encompass the improvement of drinking water, sanitation and hygiene through reduced pollution, improved efficiency, integrated management, and protection of ecosystems; while two additional targets outline the implementation approaches. Water is explicitly mentioned in relation to four additional SDGs, those concerned with health (SDG 3), disasters (SDG 11), pollution (SDG 12), and environment (SDG 15).
Australia is one of the 193 UN member countries that formally agreed to the SDGs on 25 September 2015. Australia has outlined its commitment to the SDGs through its foreign development aid and other support, but has not clarified its intended domestic implementation of the SDGs. This new UN ‘home-and-region’ development perspective requires consideration of policy implementation questions as to how Australia should address the water-related aspects of the SDGs to attain equity and wellbeing both within its own borders and through assisting nearby neighbours. This policy challenge is explored in this discussion paper ahead of the high level political forum in July 2016, which Australia’s Prime Minister is expected to attend.
There are at least three strategic options for Australia in supporting the attainment of the SDGs both domestically and within the Asia Pacific region. These can be termed a business as usual approach; a focus on removing specific ‘roadblocks’ to improvement; and adopting a more holistic, integrated approach to the attainment of the SDGs.
The business-as-usual approach would have little impact, since it would take a check-list or siloed approach which is likely to overlook the complex interlinkages, trade-offs, synergies, positive and negative feedback loops, and it could neglect the need for adequately preparing foundational conditions prior to interventions towards SDG targets. The removing ‘roadblocks’ approach provides a narrow obstacle-focused approach to the attainment of a diverse set of aspirational goals. Integrated thinking and operationalisation using a systems approach to problem-solving allows SDG targets to be identified that contribute to multiple goals, and prioritises these critical targets to increase the impact and feasibility of achieving the SDGs.
A ‘whole of system’ approach is recommended to guide Australia’s planning in response to SDG 6 to ensure enhancements and avoid unintended or perverse outcomes. This discussion paper presents seven recommendations for Australian Government agencies to consider in their SDG planning and attainment:
Recommendation 1 – Identify the status of SDG 6 challenges both within Australia and in our region
Recommendation 2 – Apply SDG 6 targets both within Australia and in our region
Recommendation 3 – Adopt appropriate government policy coordination arrangements and oversight
Recommendation 4 – Monitor the achievement of the SDG targets in Australia and our region
Recommendation 5 – Consider the SDGs as a coherent ‘set’ with interlinkages and feedbacks
Recommendation 6 – Adopt a systems approach to ensure positive synergies and avoid perverse effects
Recommendation 7 – Support SDG 6 through Integrated Water Resource Management frameworks.
A companion discussion paper from The University of Queensland to accompany this will be published in September 2016. It will propose a systems map of the 17 SDGs to achieve the best outcomes, and offer a practical road map for the implementation that reflects these recommendations.