Government Works to Meet Goals for Indigenous Australians

The Australian government is working hard to meet its goals for closing the gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. While some targets are on track, others need more effort. New funding is being put into health, housing, and food for remote communities.
By Newsroom | Australia, Indigenous Affairs |

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stated that the government is "not contemplating failure" as the deadline for the Closing the Gap targets approaches. This initiative, a national agreement between Australian governments and the Coalition of Peaks (representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peak bodies), aims to address socioeconomic disadvantage. While some targets show progress, others lag, raising concerns about the overall success of the program. The Prime Minister has announced new funding and commitments aimed at improving health, food security, and housing in remote Indigenous communities.

Progress and Stagnation on National Targets

The Closing the Gap initiative, established through a national agreement, has set several targets to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As of recent reports, the Productivity Commission indicates that only five of the targets are on track to be met.

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  • On Track: Targets for increasing land rights, sea rights, adult employment rates, and children enrolled in early childhood education are showing positive movement.

  • Not On Track: Data indicates that progress on other key areas, such as reducing the rates of domestic violence and youth incarceration, is not meeting expectations. Some reports highlight that the gap in mortality rates, including infant mortality, has widened.

The government is implementing new funding packages, including:

  • $144.1 million for community-controlled health clinics.

  • $27.4 million to subsidize essential grocery items in remote stores.

  • $32.7 million for food storage in remote areas facing extreme weather.

  • $44.4 million for Birthing on Country maternal care.

  • $48.3 million for short-term hostel accommodation.

Focus on Economic Empowerment and Infrastructure

The government's strategy also emphasizes economic empowerment and infrastructure development within Indigenous communities. This includes:

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  • Housing Australia Future Fund: Contributing to repairs and maintenance of housing in remote First Nations communities.

  • Telecommunications Upgrades: Enhancing internet access in over 260 remote Indigenous communities.

  • Home Ownership Support: Programs like Indigenous Business Australia's home loans aim to help First Nations Australians purchase their own homes.

  • Training and Economic Frameworks: Over 300 First Nations Health Trainees are in place, and investments are being made to establish a First Nations Economic Framework and Partnership.

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The Prime Minister has indicated a focus on "jobs that deliver services that communities want," developed in partnership with Indigenous communities, aiming to build skills and infrastructure identified as priorities by these communities.

Calls for Fundamental Change and Indigenous Leadership

Despite government assurances, several Indigenous leaders and organizations have voiced concerns about the pace and direction of progress. The Coalition of Peaks has repeatedly called for "fundamental change" and emphasized the need for Indigenous peoples to be in control of their futures.

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  • Consultation and Cultural Relevance: Concerns have been raised that policies sometimes fail to account for "cultural counterfactuals," meaning they do not sufficiently incorporate Indigenous cultural knowledge and experiences. Policies that involve consultation with Indigenous people are seen as more effective.

  • Accountability and Action: There is a call for governments to translate priority reforms into tangible, funded actions. Some analysis suggests that past "Closing the Gap" reports have consistently failed to meet more than a fraction of their targets.

  • Systemic Issues: Reports from the Productivity Commission have highlighted the need for increased employment of Indigenous people within the public service and systemic processes to address racism.

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The Makarrata Commission, intended for agreement-making with Indigenous Australians, has also been a point of discussion, with questions remaining about the government's commitment to treaty and truth processes.

Data and Performance Insights

Recent data releases offer a mixed picture of progress:

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Target AreaStatusNotes
Increase in land rightsOn track
Increase in sea rightsOn track
Increase in adult employmentOn track
Increase in early childhood educationOn trackIn some states
Decrease in youth incarcerationNot on trackSome states have reduced rates
Decrease in out-of-home careNot on trackSome states have reduced rates
Decrease in family violenceNo dataNo updated data available for measurement
Decrease in mortality ratesBackwardsGap widening, with concerns on infant mortality
Increase in Year 12 equivalenceOn trackIn some states

The Productivity Commission has been a key body reporting on the progress against these targets. While the government expresses determination, external analysis often points to a "cycle of failure" without more significant systemic changes and genuine Indigenous leadership in decision-making.

Expert Analysis

"Progress depends on listening to people and communities."— Prime Minister's Department website

"Policies for Indigenous people should involve consulting Indigenous people to better reflect and prioritise Indigenous cultural knowledge and experiences."— Analysis from The Conversation

"The gap in mortality rates between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians increased last year and there are very worrying signs on infant mortality."— Coalition of Peaks report

"The public service needed to employ more Indigenous people, alongside systemic processes to root out racism inside those structures."— Productivity Commission findings, as reported by The Guardian

Conclusion and Future Steps

The Closing the Gap deadline looms with the government asserting its commitment to achieving the set targets. New funding initiatives demonstrate a focus on immediate needs in health, housing, and food security. However, a significant body of evidence and expert opinion suggests that current progress is insufficient, with several targets lagging and some areas worsening.

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The persistent call from Indigenous leaders and organizations for fundamental change, greater control over decision-making, and the integration of cultural knowledge indicates a potential disconnect between government initiatives and community-led solutions. The effectiveness of future efforts will likely hinge on the implementation of these structural reforms and a deeper commitment to partnership and Indigenous self-determination.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is 'Closing the Gap'?
It is a plan by the Australian government and Indigenous groups to make life better for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Q: Are the goals being met?
Some goals, like jobs and early education, are on track. But other goals, like stopping family violence and fewer people in jail, are not meeting the targets.
Q: What is the government doing?
The government is giving more money to help with health clinics, food, and housing in places where people live far away.
Q: What do Indigenous leaders want?
They want real change and to have more say in decisions that affect them. They also want their culture to be respected in the plans.