There is increasing concern among policymakers, civil society groups and the public about the widening differences in the social and health status of Australia’s most and least advantaged peoples. The lack of improvement in addressing these inequities reflects many political and policy challenges which occur throughout the policy process – how issues get onto the agenda, policy formulation, implementation and assessment. Understanding and acting on these challenges will be a key step forward to achieving more equitable health outcomes for all Australians.

The National Policy Forum is an opportunity for politicians, government officials, non-governmental organisations, media, researchers and the general public to engage these topics addressed in the Centre for Research Excellence in the Social Determinants of Health Equity (CRE-SDHE). The Forum will focus on what works and why in policy areas including: Indigenous affairs, urban environments, social protection/paid parental leave and health systems.

The forum will start with a panel discussion entitled ‘How equitable is the Federal 2016 budget?’ hosted by Paul Barclay, host of Big Ideas on ABC Radio National. This discussion will be broadcast on the Big Ideas radio program.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Professor Dame Margaret Whitehead, Liverpool University
• Professor Ronald Labonté, University of Ottawa
• Hon Dr Andrew Leigh, Australian Labor Party
• Professor Peter Sainsbury, Director of Population Health, South Western Sydney Local Health District
• Mr Romlie Mokak, Lowitja Institute
• Associate Professor Lyndall Strazdins, ANU
• Dr Felicity-Anne Lewis, Flinders University
• Professor Adrian Kay, Crawford School, ANU
• Dr Tessa Boyd-Caine, National Centre for Health Justice Partnerships
• Professor Fran Baum, Flinders University
• Professor Sharon Friel, ANU

Register at here.