We must understand what has worked and not worked, and why. With this knowledge, we can build more effective service systems. The National Commitment to Improved Outcomes in the Delivery of Programs and Services for Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islanders agreed to by all governments in 1992 provides some lessons. Despite its shortcomings, this National Commitment provides a framework from which some improved service delivery practices have flowed. In the health area, the 1992 National Commitment has provided a way forward.
Health forums exist in all States and Territories to implement the agreements.
An example of flexibility in service delivery can be seen in the Aboriginal Coordinated Care Trials in the Tiwi Islands. Funds from both the Commonwealth and Northern Territory governments for primary health care are allocated to a community-coordinated care fund. These funds are used to provide health care based on individual and community care plans. In the Tiwi Islands, the community has taken control of clinics previously run by the Northern Territory government. In the housing area too, agreements have been developed which set out the responsibilities of different government agencies, pool funds and establish a meaningful decision-making role for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.