The Equity Framework shows how to apply an equity lens to shift the root causes of inequity.
Why use this framework?
A shared way of looking at, and acting to change a problem, can make a lasting difference.
Applying an equity lens helps identify what’s not fair and why, so we can drive change.
The Equity Framework shows how to apply this lens to make equity happen for Queensland and Queenslanders.
A common framework for addressing inequity helps us:
- Apply an equity lens consistently — embeds fairness as standard practice in design, policy and decision-making
- Gain visibility — reveals underlying issues for good decisions and solutions
- Optimise delivery — acts as a unifying tool to align efforts
- Prevent unintended consequences — encourages flexible solutions for complex environments and diverse needs
- Lean towards new ways — of thinking, acting, trusting, learning and sharing
- Focus on systemic change for lasting impact — means fair and equitable impact for all.
The Equity Framework has 3 parts:
- Part 1 is a model of Queensland’s system of equity, to assist in understanding the problem differently
- Part 2 highlights places to intervene to tackle root causes and create change at multiple levels
- Part 3 shows ways to work differently to improve equity.
Explore the framework
Recognise the root causes and dynamics of inequity.
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Use the model of our equity system to understand the underlying causes of unfair outcomes.
There are often underlying causes of inequity which may not be immediately obvious but surround our daily lives. This model can help us understand:
- what is valued and believed
- who was considered when designing policies, rules and services
- if everyone has what they need
- how context and characteristics influence and are influenced by inequity.
Learn more about how to understand differently [PDF 543KB].
Tackle root causes and create change at multiple levels.
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Use Part 2 of the Equity Framework to guide real and lasting solutions.
To make change happen, we can act at multiple levels, at the same time.
- Welcome diverse views and widen perspectives
- Maximise strengths and connections
- Rebalance and redefine structures
Learn more about how to intervene differently [PDF 543KB].
Work across sectors and systems, build relationships and embed the knowledge of lived experience.
Use Part 3 of the Equity Framework to do things differently so impact can be amplified.
Achieve more by working differently together to change the conditions that surround people where they live, learn, work and play.
- Act together, thoughtfully
- Enable change conditions
- Grow positive social impact
- Think about how you could do policy, investment, services and measurement differently
Learn more about how to work differently [PDF 543KB].
Method
Discover the methodology behind the Equity Framework: how it was developed and who was involved.
Investigating drivers
Provided rationale for addressing inequity together by tackling the underlying causes
Evidence reviews
Showed what’s already happening and what might work
System actors
Highlighted gaps and opportunities by seeking the views of those in the system
Partnership governance
Made sure many voices were represented in the Equity Framework
Collaborative creation
Made sense of the data and tested the Equity Framework together
Health and Wellbeing Queensland is here to improve health equity. We found that the causes of unfair differences in health are the same as those causing many types of unfair outcomes. This means that working together to change the underlying causes will help shift inequity.
Working with the Institute of Social Science Research at The University of Queensland, HWQld had a focused review of research findings with a series of rapid evidence reviews. The reviews showed that the drivers of health inequity were very similar to the drivers of inequitable outcomes in other areas: child development, child protection, education, employment and work, housing, financial vulnerability, domestic and family violence, and engagement with the justice system.
This research showed why it’s important for everyone to join forces and address the underlying causes that drive many types of unfair outcomes, no matter the specific inequity being addressed.
The literature was searched to understand what others were doing, what was working, and what those experiencing inequity thought.
Four reviews of academic and grey literature were undertaken by the Institute of Social Science Research, The University of Queensland. We investigated:
- evidence-based equity innovations, practice and evaluations from peer-reviewed literature;
- equity and wellbeing frameworks from academic and grey literature;
- lived expertise insights from grey literature and review of organisation websites as identified through actor mapping. Only reports from Queensland, or national reports with a Queensland sample, were included;
- publicly available Queensland equity data sources from a desktop review process.
A Practice Review found, listed and analysed what others around the world and locally were practically doing to address inequity.
We created a dynamic map of 165 different organisations and government departments who play a role in equity in Queensland. We then interviewed 26 people from the various categories represented on the map. The interviews gave us valuable insights into inequity and what to do about it.
Mapping the actors and displaying them in different ways showed where attention is focused, any gaps, which population groups are included, points where change could be most effective, and how different parts of the system interact.
People were interviewed from the different actor categories on the map including lived experience practitioners, service providers, program designers, advocates and decision-makers.
Interviews comprised of people’s experiences with inequity, their perspectives on the inequity system, the challenges and opportunities available, and their ideas for creating positive change. Iterative thematic inquiry was used for qualitative analysis. This method of inquiry encourages researchers to challenge initial beliefs with repeated analysis cycles.
To inform every stage of developing the framework, regular workshops were held with two important groups: people with lived expertise who are advocates of change based on their lived experience of inequity; and representatives from government departments, agencies and commissions.
Using a partnership governance approach enabled collaboration and allowed both government and community member voice to have equal power in shaping framework decisions and design.
Eleven community governance group meetings and eight departmental group meetings gave new perspectives and data, linked us to existing knowledge, and helped interpret and test what was emerging. Critical friends with knowledge of inequity offered unique expertise along the way.
Together with our partnership groups, we explored and connected the emerging data to form a framework draft. Together we then tested sections of the Equity Framework and refined it further.
Using an iterative sense-checking approach where we asked our partners what it meant to them, we then adjusted as we learnt more. This meant we could explore together, re-think our understanding and connect the pieces together into a common framing that was meaningful.
These cycles of testing and iteration allowed us to ask questions to test interpretation, assumptions, and clarity, and continuously refine the framework. We also gathered feedback from experts and stakeholders to ensure the framework was useful and useable.
As a result of these collaborative methods, our framework became stronger and more inclusive, reflecting the needs and priorities of many.
Last updated 25 September 2024
