Citation

Clapham K, Hunter K, Cullen P, Helps Y, Senserrick TM, Byrne J, Harrison JE, Ivers RQ. Aust. N. Zeal. J. Public Health 2017; 41(3): 280-286.

Affiliation

Flinders University, South Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Public Health Association of Australia, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/1753-6405.12654

PMID

28245515

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Low rates of driver licensing have been linked to increased risk of transport-related injury, and reduced access to health services, employment and educational opportunities in the Aboriginal population. This paper reports on how barriers to obtaining a driver licence are being addressed in four Aboriginal communities in New South Wales and South Australia.

METHODS: Qualitative data were collected over a four-month period in 2013. Interviews with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal stakeholders (n=31) and 11 focus groups with Aboriginal participants (n=46) were analysed thematically using a framework approach.

RESULTS: Factors facilitating licensing included: family support, professional lessons, alternative testing and programs that assist with literacy, fines management, financial assistance and access to a supervising driver. Stakeholders recommended raising awareness of existing services and funding community-based service provision to promote access to licensing.

DISCUSSION: Facilitating licence participation requires systemic change and long-term investment to ensure interagency collaboration, service use and sustainability of relevant programs, including job search agencies. Implications for public health: The disadvantage faced by Aboriginal people in driver licensing is a fundamental barrier to participation and a social determinant of health. Understanding the factors that promote licensing is crucial to improving access for under-serviced populations; recommendations provide pragmatic solutions to address licensing disadvantage.

© 2017 The Authors.

Language: en

Keywords

Aboriginal; Australia; NSW; SA; driver licensing