A partnership approach to transitioning policy change in Aboriginal Australian communities

Aboriginal Australian communities are subjected to frequent government policy changes. Partnerships developed in a Community-based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach can assist communities to lead these changes in ways that value local knowledge and lived experiences, hold community benefits and position them as equal partners. A partnership model used a CBPR approach to support locally-driven action in two projects. The process findings revealed that CBPR processes hold a place of significance in supporting communities to achieve their goals by adding value to what people are already doing and providing a structured framework from which work. Concluded was that Community-driven participatory action research (CDPAR) vis-à-vis CBPR should be contemplated in the future. CDPAR should be conducted in a partnership framework that considers ethics and the power relationships of the working environment; multiple levels of participation in group membership; holistic structured processes for participation, reflection and action; and social and human capital.