Cancer Australia led the development of this guide to support implementation of the Australian Cancer Plan (the Plan). The Plan is a national call for action to improve cancer outcomes for all Australians by creating a responsive and equitable health system. To achieve equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and voices must be embedded into policy-making and program design. This is enacted through partnership and co-design.
The Guide builds on a collaboration between Cancer Australia and the University of Queensland First Nations Cancer and Wellbeing Research Program led by Professor Gail Garvey. The Indigenous-led team undertook a collaborative research process with wide community engagement to identify Key Principles and Best Practices for Co-Design in Health with First Nations Australians applicable to cancer control in Australia. The principles and practices are optimal approaches to co-design that align with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, worldviews and ways of working.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led development of the co-design principles and practices:
