Chronic Illness Alliance

Aims & Objectives

Aims of the Chronic Illness Alliance, Inc.

1. to identify and represent issues of concern to people with chronic illness, their families and carers;
2. to provide a means of maximising participation of consumer and relevant community groups concerned with, and representing people with chronic illness in state and national policy, planning and service decisions which affect the health and welfare of people with chronic illness;
3. to promote a public and preventive health approach for people with chronic illness which recognises the health impact of other government policy areas;
4. to promote a just and equitable distribution of resources to redress inequalities in the health status of different groups of the Australian population, including people with chronic illness;
5. to encourage the development of health services which are:
• effective in enhancing the capacity of people with chronic illness to participate as fully as possible in community life
• responsive to the needs and preferences of people with chronic illness
• community based and managed
• respectful of human rights
• culturally relevant
• universally accessible
• cost effective
6. to promote the rights of all people with chronic illness to be involved in health policy, planning and service decisions.

Objectives of the Chronic Illness Alliance, Inc.

1. to develop an understanding of consumer experiences and views and identify priorities and goals
   by consulting groups representing people with chronic illness;
2. to facilitate the development of and enhance the capacity of groups representing people with chronic illness (particularly those currently disempowered) to participate in issues which affect their constituencies by:
• providing information and advice on health issues, policies and decision making processes
• facilitating stronger relationships, cooperation and coordination between members of the Alliance and other relevant groups
• facilitating closer links and more open communication between these groups, Government and Government departments
• convening workshops and seminars and providing appropriate interface between people with chronic illness and experts;
3. to raise and represent the views of people with a chronic illness and in particular advise Ministers of Health and the departments of health of these views;
4. to monitor the opportunities and processes for participation of people with chronic illness and to work with departments of health to assist them to become more open and accountable and responsive to people with chronic illness;
5. to monitor and analyse health policy development, planning and resource allocation processes and outcomes;
6. to undertake, promote, assist and participate in any research projects that will contribute to improving the position of people with chronic illness;
7. to advocate publicly, measures which will contribute to achieving the Alliance's aims and objectives.