Policy Papers
Health Equity Matters prepares a range of resources as part of its HIV, LGBTIQA+ health and public health policy work in Australia and internationally. These resources include policy positions, briefings and issue papers. You can view our policy papers below.
- Policy/
Policy Papers
Access our policy positions, briefings, issue papers and more.
- 2024Briefing PaperPolicy PaperAustralia
The importance of peer contact tracers in preventing the mpox epidemic
This paper emphasises that for effective contact tracing for mpox, a specialised peer workforce that understands the nuances of the diverse lifestyles and sexual practices of the community is required. To prevent further mpox outbreaks, it is recommended that contact tracing is used in conjunction with a broader mpox vaccine program.
- 2024Briefing PaperPolicy PaperAustralia
The inclusion of mpox vaccines in ongoing sexual health clinical care
This paper emphasises the need for ongoing mpox vaccination planning by state and territory governments, particularly targeting newly sexually active individuals and those with recent changes in sexual behaviour to ensure these populations receive the mpox vaccine.
- 2024Budget AnalysisPolicy PaperAustralia
2024/25 Federal budget analysis
This briefing outlines measures announced in the Australian Government’s 2024/25 Budget, handed down 14 May 2024. We highlight measures that relate to the areas of HIV, BBVs and others that are of particular interest to the communities of Health Equity Matters, including the continued commitment to virtual elimination of HIV transmission.
- 2023Briefing PaperPolicy PaperAustralia
HIV-related stigma interventions
This paper by was developed to provide a framework for people developing HIV-related stigma interventions to consider how to design, implement, and evaluate such activities. Key areas covered in the paper include HIV stigma definitions, theories and concepts related to stigma, approaches used in the development of HIV-related stigma interventions and how stigma is measured.
- 2023Briefing PaperPolicy PaperAustralia
Approaches and best practice models of care for advancing the quality of life for people with HIV in Australia
This paper examines factors influencing quality of life in HIV care, highlighting protective elements and those that reduce wellbeing. It also offers insights for peer support, health, social, and community services, advocating for an integrated, holistic approach to service design and delivery through AIDS councils, HIV peer organisations, and related services.
- 2023Briefing PaperPolicy PaperAustralia
Molecular epidemiology and phylogenetics – what is it really?
This paper includes a basic overview of what molecular epidemiology is and explores its role in the virtual elimination of HIV in Australia. The paper also looks at community feedback on the implementation of Molecular Epidemiology, including criminalisation and legal and ethical concerns.
- 2023Briefing PaperPolicy PaperAustralia
New global approaches to HIV prevention
To ensure Australian community practice remains at the global cutting edge and inform future strategies, this paper focuses on emerging global approaches to HIV prevention. The paper includes advances in biomedical prevention and treatment as well as insights that can be drawn from HIV prevention programs implemented in comparable jurisdictions overseas.
- 2023Briefing PaperPolicy PaperAustralia
Terminology when referring to monkeypox
This paper outlines the appropriate language to refer to monkeypox in external and internal documentation and engagements.
- 2022Consensus StatementPolicy PaperInternational
Consensus Statement on Australia’s International Leadership Role on HIV: September 2022
This is a consensus statement by Australian organisations engaged in global HIV prevention and care. Leveraging the successful national partnership model, the partners pledge to collaborate with the Australian Government and Parliament to sustain Australia's impactful support for global HIV prevention, treatment, and care, with a focus on Asia and the Pacific region.
- 2022Briefing PaperPolicy PaperAustralia
Update: changes to HIV treatment access for people ineligible for Medicare
This briefing paper updates the HIV community workforce on a Commonwealth initiative to provide equitable access to HIV treatment for people ineligible for Medicare.
- 2022Election SurveyPolicy PaperAustralia
2022 Federal election survey: Australian Greens response
Ahead of the 2022 federal election, Health Equity Matters, in consultation with its members and the broader HIV sector, developed election asks regarding the HIV response in Australia and the Asia-Pacific. These asks were presented to major parties (Liberal National Coalition, Australian Labor Party, and Australian Greens) via a survey, to which each party formally responded.
- 2022Election SurveyPolicy PaperAustralia
2022 Federal election survey: Australian Labor Party response
Ahead of the 2022 federal election, Health Equity Matters, in consultation with its members and the broader HIV sector, developed election asks regarding the HIV response in Australia and the Asia-Pacific. These asks were presented to major parties (Liberal National Coalition, Australian Labor Party, and Australian Greens) via a survey, to which each party formally responded.
