smc-5512-20-Government

HMS, HIC 2016 HSC 27b

Evaluate government strategies or actions that target major health issues affecting young people. (12 marks)

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Evaluation Statement

Government strategies targeting youth health issues prove moderately effective in addressing mental health and substance abuse concerns.
Effectiveness varies significantly based on accessibility, implementation consistency and community engagement levels across different regions.

Mental Health Strategy Effectiveness

Youth mental health funding achieves substantial health improvements through Headspace centres providing accessible counselling and psychiatric services for young people aged 12-25 years. These government-funded facilities offer free support with reduced waiting times compared to traditional mental health services.
Evidence supporting health impact includes measurable reductions in youth suicide rates and decreased mental health-related emergency department presentations in areas with Headspace coverage. The program demonstrates strong health outcomes through almost three-quarters of clients showing improved mental wellbeing scores and reduced psychological distress following treatment interventions.
However, significant health disparities persist in rural and remote areas where youth suicide rates remain elevated due to inadequate service coverage. Geographic inequities create substantial mental health outcome differences between metropolitan and regional young people.
School-based programs like KidsMatter show inconsistent health impacts with variable depression and anxiety reduction rates across different educational systems.

Substance Abuse Prevention Effectiveness

Drug education programs produce limited health impact with traditional approaches failing to achieve substantial reductions in youth substance use rates. Government initiatives show minimal influence on binge drinking behaviours and cannabis experimentation among target age groups.
Conversely, harm reduction strategies demonstrate better health outcomes through reduced drug-related hospitalisations and decreased overdose incidents among program participants.
Road safety campaigns prove highly effective for health improvement through graduated licensing systems reducing youth road fatalities by 40% since implementation. These legislative measures significantly decrease serious injury rates and trauma-related disabilities among young drivers through evidence-based policy interventions.

Final Evaluation

Overall assessment reveals moderate effectiveness with strongest outcomes in legislative approaches.
Weakest results occur in education-based interventions requiring sustained community engagement and consistent implementation.

Show Worked Solution

Evaluation Statement

Government strategies targeting youth health issues prove moderately effective in addressing mental health and substance abuse concerns.
Effectiveness varies significantly based on accessibility, implementation consistency and community engagement levels across different regions.

Mental Health Strategy Effectiveness

Youth mental health funding achieves substantial health improvements through Headspace centres providing accessible counselling and psychiatric services for young people aged 12-25 years. These government-funded facilities offer free support with reduced waiting times compared to traditional mental health services.
Evidence supporting health impact includes measurable reductions in youth suicide rates and decreased mental health-related emergency department presentations in areas with Headspace coverage. The program demonstrates strong health outcomes through almost three-quarters of clients showing improved mental wellbeing scores and reduced psychological distress following treatment interventions.
However, significant health disparities persist in rural and remote areas where youth suicide rates remain elevated due to inadequate service coverage. Geographic inequities create substantial mental health outcome differences between metropolitan and regional young people.
School-based programs like KidsMatter show inconsistent health impacts with variable depression and anxiety reduction rates across different educational systems.

Substance Abuse Prevention Effectiveness

Drug education programs produce limited health impact with traditional approaches failing to achieve substantial reductions in youth substance use rates. Government initiatives show minimal influence on binge drinking behaviours and cannabis experimentation among target age groups.
Conversely, harm reduction strategies demonstrate better health outcomes through reduced drug-related hospitalisations and decreased overdose incidents among program participants.
Road safety campaigns prove highly effective for health improvement through graduated licensing systems reducing youth road fatalities by 40% since implementation. These legislative measures significantly decrease serious injury rates and trauma-related disabilities among young drivers through evidence-based policy interventions.

Final Evaluation

Overall assessment reveals moderate effectiveness with strongest outcomes in legislative approaches.
Weakest results occur in education-based interventions requiring sustained community engagement and consistent implementation.

♦♦ Mean mark 49%.

HMS, HIC 2017 HSC 27b

To what extent have government and non-government strategies targeting young people been effective in addressing major health issues? (12 marks)

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Judgment Statement

Government and non-government strategies have achieved moderate effectiveness in addressing major youth health issues. Success varies significantly across different health areas, with stronger outcomes in road safety than mental health and substance abuse.

Mental Health Strategy Effectiveness

Government Headspace centres demonstrate substantial success in providing accessible mental health services for young Australians aged 12-25. These federally-funded centres offer free counselling and psychiatric services with over 150 centres nationwide. However, limitations include long waiting lists and inadequate rural coverage creating geographical inequities.
Non-government R U OK? Day campaigns effectively raise awareness about mental health conversations and suicide prevention. This initiative successfully normalises mental health discussions across schools and communities. Yet sustainability challenges arise from volunteer dependency and inconsistent funding streams.

Road Safety Strategy Effectiveness

Government P-plate restrictions prove highly effective in reducing youth road fatalities through passenger limits, speed restrictions and zero BAC requirements. These legislative measures have significantly decreased young driver death rates since implementation. Additional government initiatives like Plan B campaigns provide clear messaging about drink-driving consequences.
Non-government programs like RYDA demonstrate strong effectiveness in rural areas where road fatalities are highest. These Rotary-funded programs increase education about issues including fatigue and risk-taking behaviours. Community-based approaches also successfully target local issues with culturally relevant messaging.

Substance Abuse Strategy Effectiveness

Government school-based drug education shows mixed results due to inconsistent implementation across different educational settings. On the other hand, non-government community-based education programs often achieve better youth engagement through peer-to-peer approaches and locally relevant messaging.

Reaffirmation

Overall assessment reveals moderate effectiveness with government strategies stronger in legislative areas like road safety, while non-government initiatives excel in community engagement and awareness-raising across multiple health issues.

Show Worked Solution

Judgment Statement

Government and non-government strategies have achieved moderate effectiveness in addressing major youth health issues. Success varies significantly across different health areas, with stronger outcomes in road safety than mental health and substance abuse.

Mental Health Strategy Effectiveness

Government Headspace centres demonstrate substantial success in providing accessible mental health services for young Australians aged 12-25. These federally-funded centres offer free counselling and psychiatric services with over 150 centres nationwide. However, limitations include long waiting lists and inadequate rural coverage creating geographical inequities.
Non-government R U OK? Day campaigns effectively raise awareness about mental health conversations and suicide prevention. This initiative successfully normalises mental health discussions across schools and communities. Yet sustainability challenges arise from volunteer dependency and inconsistent funding streams.

Road Safety Strategy Effectiveness

Government P-plate restrictions prove highly effective in reducing youth road fatalities through passenger limits, speed restrictions and zero BAC requirements. These legislative measures have significantly decreased young driver death rates since implementation. Additional government initiatives like Plan B campaigns provide clear messaging about drink-driving consequences.
Non-government programs like RYDA demonstrate strong effectiveness in rural areas where road fatalities are highest. These Rotary-funded programs increase education about issues including fatigue and risk-taking behaviours. Community-based approaches also successfully target local issues with culturally relevant messaging.

Substance Abuse Strategy Effectiveness

Government school-based drug education shows mixed results due to inconsistent implementation across different educational settings. On the other hand, non-government community-based education programs often achieve better youth engagement through peer-to-peer approaches and locally relevant messaging.

Reaffirmation

Overall assessment reveals moderate effectiveness with government strategies stronger in legislative areas like road safety, while non-government initiatives excel in community engagement and awareness-raising across multiple health issues.

♦♦ Mean mark 50%.

Alex is a 17-year-old living in a rural town who has been experiencing depression and anxiety following family breakdown. The nearest mental health professional is 200km away, and Alex's family cannot afford private treatment. The local school has basic counselling services, but Alex feels uncomfortable accessing them due to stigma in the small community.

Discuss the effectiveness of ways in which the government, non-government organisations and the community could advocate for Alex's health needs. (8 marks)

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*PEEL – Solution is structured using separate PEEL methods for each side of the argument; [P] Identify the point, [E] expand on the point with a link to question asked, [Ev] apply evidence/examples, [L] linking sentence back to question.

Effective Government Advocacy:

[P] Government advocacy effectively addresses Alex’s access barriers through systematic solutions.
[E] Legislative power is able to create telehealth funding and mobile mental health services for rural areas.
[Ev] Medicare subsidies for online consultations eliminate 200km travel barriers.
[L] Government creates comprehensive, funded solutions to rural mental health inequities.

Limitations of Government Advocacy:

[P] Government advocacy fails to provide immediate crisis intervention.
[E] Bureaucratic red tape can create lengthy implementation delays.
[Ev] Policy changes requiring approval cannot address Alex’s urgent depression symptoms.
[L] Government solutions lack immediacy needed for mental health crises.

Effective NGO Advocacy:

[P] NGOs provide most effective immediate support for Alex’s circumstances.
[E] Independent operation enables rapid crisis response with youth-focused services.
[Ev] For example, NGO’s such as headspace offer 24/7 support, online counselling, addressing stigma concerns.
[L] In this way, NGOs fill critical gaps through immediate, accessible mental health intervention.

Limitations of NGO Advocacy:

[P] NGO advocacy limited by resource constraints and sustainability issues.
[E] Donation-dependent funding creates uncertainty.
[Ev] Cannot establish permanent rural infrastructure or guarantee ongoing availability.
[L] Resource limitations compromise long-term comprehensive support.

Effective Community Advocacy:

[P] Community advocacy can effectively address local stigma and social support needs.
[E] Local understanding enables culturally appropriate mental health initiatives.
[Ev] Peer support groups can normalise help-seeking behaviour in a rural context and direct Alex to government and NGO health services.
[L] Community can transform local attitudes supporting Alex’s recovery.

Limitations of Community Advocacy:

[P] Community advocacy cannot replace professional clinical intervention.
[E] Community members lack specialised mental health training and expertise.
[Ev] They also cannot assess Alex or prescribe drugs or treatment for his depression.
[L] Community support is valuable but insufficient, by itself, for Alex’s clinical needs. When it complements other governmental and NGO health services, the best outcomes are achievable.

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Effective Government Advocacy

[P] Government advocacy effectively addresses Alex’s access barriers through systematic solutions.
[E] Legislative power is able to create telehealth funding and mobile mental health services for rural areas.
[Ev] Medicare subsidies for online consultations eliminate 200km travel barriers.
[L] Government creates comprehensive, funded solutions to rural mental health inequities.

Limitations of Government Advocacy

[P] Government advocacy fails to provide immediate crisis intervention.
[E] Bureaucratic red tape can create lengthy implementation delays.
[Ev] Policy changes requiring approval cannot address Alex’s urgent depression symptoms.
[L] Government solutions lack immediacy needed for mental health crises.

Effective NGO Advocacy

[P] NGOs provide most effective immediate support for Alex’s circumstances.
[E] Independent operation enables rapid crisis response with youth-focused services.
[Ev] For example, NGO’s such as headspace offer 24/7 support, online counselling, addressing stigma concerns.
[L] In this way, NGOs fill critical gaps through immediate, accessible mental health intervention.

Limitations of NGO Advocacy

[P] NGO advocacy limited by resource constraints and sustainability issues.
[E] Donation-dependent funding creates uncertainty.
[Ev] Cannot establish permanent rural infrastructure or guarantee ongoing availability.
[L] Resource limitations compromise long-term comprehensive support.

Effective Community Advocacy

[P] Community advocacy can effectively address local stigma and social support needs.
[E] Local understanding enables culturally appropriate mental health initiatives.
[Ev] Peer support groups can normalise help-seeking behaviour in a rural context and direct Alex to government and NGO health services.
[L] Community can transform local attitudes supporting Alex’s recovery.

Limitations of Community Advocacy

[P] Community advocacy cannot replace professional clinical intervention.
[E] Community members lack specialised mental health training and expertise.
[Ev] They also cannot assess Alex or prescribe drugs or treatment for his depression.
[L] Community support is valuable but insufficient, by itself, for Alex’s clinical needs. When it complements other governmental and NGO health services, the best outcomes are achievable.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 095 MC

A remote Aboriginal community has limited access to healthcare services. The government responds by establishing a mobile health clinic program and partnering with local Aboriginal Health Services to provide culturally appropriate care for young people.

This government action primarily demonstrates which combination of advocacy responsibilities?

Setting policies and strengthening community partnerships.
Developing personal skills and creating supportive environments.
Building healthy public policy and reorienting health services.
Allocating funding and implementing targeted programs.

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$D$

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D is correct because the government is allocating funding (establishing the mobile clinic program) and implementing targeted programs (culturally appropriate care for young people in remote areas).

Other options:

A is incorrect because while partnerships exist, the primary focus is on funding allocation and program implementation rather than policy setting.
B is incorrect because these are Ottawa Charter action areas rather than the government’s specific advocacy roles.
C is incorrect because these are also Ottawa Charter action areas, not specific government advocacy responsibilities as outlined in the syllabus.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 094 MC

The NSW government has introduced legislation requiring all entertainment venues to provide free water and designated safe spaces for young people. Additionally, they have allocated $50 million for youth mental health services and established mandatory reporting systems for venues that serve alcohol to minors.

Which government advocacy responsibilities are demonstrated in this scenario?

Setting policies, allocating funding, and implementing programs.
Creating supportive environments and developing personal skills.
Building community partnerships and strengthening local networks.
Providing direct healthcare services and individual counselling.

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$A$

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A is correct because all three core government advocacy responsibilities are demonstrated: setting policies (legislation for venues), allocating funding ($50 million for mental health), and implementing programs (mandatory reporting systems).

Other options:

B is incorrect because these are Ottawa Charter action areas, not specific government advocacy responsibilities.
C is incorrect because while partnerships may exist, the question demonstrates direct government action rather than community partnership building.
D is incorrect because governments don’t typically provide direct healthcare services or individual counselling – these are usually delivered by health professionals or NGOs.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 127

A 16-year-old student, Maya, is struggling with anxiety but cannot access affordable mental health services through the public system due to long waiting lists. Meanwhile, her school has recently implemented a new wellbeing curriculum mandated by the state government.

Describe the differences between how government and non-government organisations would advocate for Maya's health needs in this situation. (5 marks)

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Government advocacy:

Government advocacy for Maya would involve systematic, policy-level responses.
The government could addresses Maya’s needs through mandatory school wellbeing programs, funding public mental health services, and setting Medicare rebate structures.
However, government responses are often slow due to bureaucratic red tape and focus on population-wide solutions rather than immediate individual needs.
The government’s role is creating frameworks and policies that should prevent situations like Maya’s.

NGO advocacy:

NGO advocacy provides immediate, targeted support that government cannot deliver.
Organisations like headspace would offer Maya direct counselling services without waiting lists, filling gaps in the system.
NGOs advocate by providing evidence of unmet needs to government, offering specialised youth-focused services, and adapting quickly to emerging mental health trends.
They can provide culturally appropriate support and innovative service delivery models that complement government frameworks.
Both approaches are necessary – the government provides the funding and creates the framework while NGOs provide responsive, specialised advocacy and services.

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Government advocacy:

Government advocacy for Maya would involve systematic, policy-level responses.
The government could addresses Maya’s needs through mandatory school wellbeing programs, funding public mental health services, and setting Medicare rebate structures.
However, government responses are often slow due to bureaucratic red tape and focus on population-wide solutions rather than immediate individual needs.
The government’s role is creating frameworks and policies that should prevent situations like Maya’s.

NGO advocacy:

NGO advocacy provides immediate, targeted support that government cannot deliver.
Organisations like headspace would offer Maya direct counselling services without waiting lists, filling gaps in the system.
NGOs advocate by providing evidence of unmet needs to government, offering specialised youth-focused services, and adapting quickly to emerging mental health trends.
They can provide culturally appropriate support and innovative service delivery models that complement government frameworks.
Both approaches are necessary – the government provides the funding and creates the framework while NGOs provide responsive, specialised advocacy and services.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 126

Outline three key differences between government and non-government organisations in their roles of advocating for young people's health. (3 marks)

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Answers could include any three of the following:

Government creates binding health policies through legislative authority achieving population-wide change. In contrast, NGOs operate independently to fill service gaps and provide immediate support where government provision is inadequate.
Government controls significant funding through budget processes enabling large-scale initiatives, whereas NGOs adapt quickly to emerging issues with flexible, targeted responses
Government is accountable to voters and parliament, which often leads it to prioritise broad demographic needs. On the other hand, NGOs can focus on specific populations and needs like youth mental health.
Government develops formal policy frameworks through systematic processes including legislation. In contrast, NGOs attempt to cover service gaps and advocate externally to influence government policy development.

Show Worked Solution

Answers could include any three of the following:

Government creates binding health policies through legislative authority achieving population-wide change. In contrast, NGOs operate independently to fill service gaps and provide immediate support where government provision is inadequate.
Government controls significant funding through budget processes enabling large-scale initiatives, whereas NGOs adapt quickly to emerging issues with flexible, targeted responses
Government is accountable to voters and parliament, which often leads it to prioritise broad demographic needs. On the other hand, NGOs can focus on specific populations and needs like youth mental health.
Government develops formal policy frameworks through systematic processes including legislation. In contrast, NGOs attempt to cover service gaps and advocate externally to influence government policy development.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 125

Outline the role of government in promoting the health of young people. (3 marks)

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Roles of government:

Setting policies – develops health-related legislation and frameworks that protect and promote young people’s wellbeing.
Allocating funding and resources – provides financial support for health programs, vaccination campaigns, and preventative healthcare initiatives targeting youth.
Implementing programs and education – integrates health education into school curricula, funds teacher training workshops, and establishes health promotion programs for disadvantaged groups.

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Roles of government:

Setting policies – develops health-related legislation and frameworks that protect and promote young people’s wellbeing.
Allocating funding and resources – provides financial support for health programs, vaccination campaigns, and preventative healthcare initiatives targeting youth.
Implementing programs and education – integrates health education into school curricula, funds teacher training workshops, and establishes health promotion programs for disadvantaged groups.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 428

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people experience significantly higher rates of mental health issues and suicide compared to non-Indigenous young people.

Outline the roles of government and non-government organisations in addressing this issue and discuss strategies they could adopt to improve the mental health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. (6 marks)

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*Recommended phrases for balanced “for/against” language are bolded in the answer below.

Government Role

Provide funding for culturally appropriate mental health services specifically designed for ATSI communities

Government Strategies

Implement culturally responsive mental health programs in schools with high ATSI student populations. While this provides accessible early intervention, critics contend school-based programs often fail to be effective for disconnected youth.
Develop Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation partnerships. On one hand, this ensures cultural governance. On the other hand, bureaucratic requirements may slow implementation.

NGO Role

Deliver community-based support programs incorporating traditional healing practices alongside contemporary mental health approaches.

NGO Strategies

Establish peer support networks led by ATSI young people to reduce stigma. A key advantage is connecting young people with relatable role models. Conversely, young leaders may lack training for difficult cases. This creates both opportunities for culturally safe spaces and challenges in ensuring support quality.
Train ATSI Elders as mental health first aid advocates. From one perspective, this respects traditional knowledge systems. An alternative perspective suggests Elders may feel burdened with Western responsibilities. Nevertheless, combining traditional wisdom with contemporary training offers sustainable solutions despite potential tensions.

Show Worked Solution

*Recommended phrases for balanced “for/against” language are bolded in the answer below.

Government Role

Provide funding for culturally appropriate mental health services specifically designed for ATSI communities

Government Strategies

Implement culturally responsive mental health programs in schools with high ATSI student populations. While this provides accessible early intervention, critics contend school-based programs often fail to be effective for disconnected youth.
Develop Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation partnerships. On one hand, this ensures cultural governance. On the other hand, bureaucratic requirements may slow implementation.

NGO Role

Deliver community-based support programs incorporating traditional healing practices alongside contemporary mental health approaches.

NGO Strategies

Establish peer support networks led by ATSI young people to reduce stigma. A key advantage is connecting young people with relatable role models. Conversely, young leaders may lack training for difficult cases. This creates both opportunities for culturally safe spaces and challenges in ensuring support quality.
Train ATSI Elders as mental health first aid advocates. From one perspective, this respects traditional knowledge systems. An alternative perspective suggests Elders may feel burdened with Western responsibilities. Nevertheless, combining traditional wisdom with contemporary training offers sustainable solutions despite potential tensions.