Research Informing Policy: Ethnic Affairs Policy

Primary Research Stream

Health Services & Systems

Full Project Title

Research Informing Policy: Ethnic Affairs Policy

Project Period

2007-2008

Rationale / Background

Multiculturalism is a reality in Australia and policy has evolved significantly over 30 years in response to local, national and global contexts as well as changing community and political attitudes. The government of NSW requires that government departments and key agencies report on agency performance on how they meet the needs of culturally diverse clients (EAPS). While the standard framework of reporting on EAPS is a valuable planning tool, there have been developments in methodologies for establishing performance measures and benchmarks.

Aim and Objectives

The aim of this study is to establish new procedures for EAPS planning and assessment/ evaluation and to build capacity among NSW Government key agencies to develop and report against performance measures for EAPS.

Phase 1 aims to review existing frameworks and draft suggested new EAPS framework, ensuring consistency with key State planning and policy documents by:
A. Literature review of national and international focusing on access and equity programs in public agencies and how central agencies assess performance.
B. Review the goals and operation of EAPS in NSW describing key features and developments.
C. Identifying positive and problematic features of EAPS and recommending possible policy options and producing a Discussion Paper.

Method and Study Design

Document review
Literature review
Interviews with selected CRC, NSW Health and 2 – 3 focus agency senior managers to scope project
Interview key stakeholders to collect information on EAPS in action

Key Findings (to Date)

Literature and document review completed – report in June 2008
Interviews with key stakeholders completed – report in June 2008

Publications and Resources