Response to Raymond et al. Health policy evaluation in rural and remote Australia: a qualitative exploration and lessons from the Northern Territory

In a recent Australian Health Review contribution, Raymond et al. described perspectives of health policy evaluation in rural and remote contexts by 25 Northern Territory Department of Health (NTDOH) policymakers. The themes identified are unified by strengths-based approaches, and highlight NTDOH policymakers’ responsibility for supporting equity and outcomes in rural and remote health (RRH). To support appropriate health policy evaluation in the Northern Territory (NT), a greater focus on the intersection between RRH and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health policy contexts is needed.In the NT, Darwin is an outer regional area and all other areas are remote or very remote. Outside of Darwin, 7 out of 10 people identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, and this proportion increases with remoteness. Policy evaluation in RRH, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contexts have synergies, differences and overlapping relationships. Aboriginal and Community-Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) are located at this intersection, with local insights and knowledge of the unique and shared characteristics with RRH and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health policy.