Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will address parliament on Thursday reaffirming his government’s commitment to closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, stating, “I am not contemplating failure.”
Progress and Challenges
The Prime Minister will deliver his annual report card on progress made under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, a partnership between the government, the Coalition of Peaks and state and territory governments. While acknowledging the significant challenge – with a deadline of 2031 – Albanese emphasized the importance of avoiding “talk of failure,” as it “dismisses the aspirations and achievements of Indigenous Australians.”
The latest data reveals that four out of 19 targets are currently on track to be met. Still, the Prime Minister will highlight that six targets are showing improvement, and the 95 percent enrollment rate for children in pre-school is expected to be achieved with updated data later this year.
Progress varies across states and territories. Fresh South Wales, the ACT, and the Northern Territory are seeing reductions in the rates of children in out-of-home care, even as the national target worsens. Western Australia, Victoria, and South Australia are making “significant progress” in reducing youth detention rates, though the national trend remains unchanged since 2016–17.
New Investments
The government is announcing several new investments, including an additional $299 million to double the number of jobs in remote communities under the RJED scheme to 6,000 by 2030. Further funding includes $144.1 million for upgrades to community-controlled health clinics, $27.4 million for grocery subsidies in remote stores, $32.7 million for food storage, $44.4 million for Birthing on Country programs, and $48.3 million for short-term hostel accommodation.
A $25 billion funding deal with states and territories, announced last month, will allocate $450 million to Indigenous health – $250 million from the Commonwealth and $200 million from the states. $13.9 million will be provided to mental health support service 13YARN to extend its hours and introduce a text message service.
On Tuesday, the federal government and First Nations organizations launched the first standalone national plan to end violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children, backed by $220 million in funding over four years.
‘We Stand With You’
The Prime Minister’s address comes shortly after the alleged terrorist attack on the Invasion Day rally in Boorloo/Perth. He will state, “We see you. We stand with you,” and condemn the alleged attack as motivated by “racism and hatred” stemming from white supremacy ideology. He affirmed the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to gather and express their views without fear of violence and to have a “full and equal place” in the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Closing the Gap agreement?
The Closing the Gap agreement is a partnership between the Australian Government, the Coalition of Peaks, and state and territory governments to reduce disparities between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians.
How many targets are currently on track to be met?
According to the latest data, four out of 19 targets are on track to be met by 2031.
What new funding commitments were announced?
New commitments include $299 million for jobs in remote communities, $144.1 million for health clinics, $27.4 million for grocery subsidies, $32.7 million for food storage, $44.4 million for Birthing on Country programs, and $48.3 million for hostel accommodation.
As the 2031 deadline approaches, what role will community-led solutions play in achieving the goals of Closing the Gap?
