Mid-Term Review of the National Environmental Health Strategy (NEHS) Implementation Plan

The first National Environmental Health Strategy (NEHS) was endorsed by the National Public Health Partnership Group (NPHPG) and Australian Health Ministers Conference (AHMC) in 1999 and was subsequently launched by the Commonwealth Minister for Health in October 1999.

The enHealth Council, the national body established to implement the NEHS, was appointed for a three year term. The Inaugural enHealth Council developed the NEHS Implementation Plan, which in effect was the Council business plan for the triennium. The NEHS Implementation Plan was subject to a mid-term (one and a half year) review to assess progress by September 2000. As part of this Strategy Review, the achievements of the Implementation Plan for the three year period will be assessed.

Description:

An independent review of the National Environmental Health Strategy (1999).

Objectives:

1. To assess and determine the role of the National Environmental Health Strategy in the management of environmental health in Australia;
2. To evaluate the performance of the National Environmental Health Strategy and the Implementation Plan; and
3. To provide recommendations on future directions and priorities for national action.

Timeframe:

The project is expected to be completed within an 18 month period.

Stakeholders:

The review of the NEHS will involve, or have an impact on, a range of stakeholders including the following:

• enHealth Council/National Public Health Partnership Group;
• Commonwealth departments including ATSIC, FACs, EA;
• State/Territory government agencies in health and environment sectors;
• Local governments; and
• National bodies including the Australian Institute of Environmental Health, Australian Consumers Association, Public Health Association of Australia, Australian Local Government Association, National Health and Medical Research Council, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

These groups will be involved in the Review through participation in workshops, membership on the project steering committee or as members of the enHealth Council.

Commencement date:

It is envisaged that the review will commence early in 2003.