Indigenous - led Intervention Research : The Benefits , Challenges and Opportunities

This article is based on a presentation to the 2011 Indigenous Studies Research Network and Faculty of Health Symposium Healthier Futures Thru Indigenous Led Research held at the Queensland University of Technology. It critically examines the proposition that, in the context of the current health reform in Australia, an Indigenous-led and -developed research agenda should be prioritised to inform Indigenous health policy and programs. I argue that such a strategy is the best way to bring about improved Indigenous health outcomes. I draw on my experience over 15 years of working as a member of multi-disciplinary teams in public health intervention and health services research in urban, regional and remote areas of New South Wales, Australia. I reflect on the ways in which Indigenous leadership has figured in my research in the field of injury prevention. Finally, I identify some of the challenges and opportunities for enhancing Indigenous research leadership capacity.