Albanese Government Vows to Press On with Closing the Gap Despite Lagging Targets
Despite facing significant challenges and a looming 2031 deadline, the Albanese government remains resolute in its commitment to Closing the Gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will address Parliament on Thursday, forcefully stating, “I am not contemplating failure. Our government is not contemplating failure. We are determined to succeed.”
The Prime Minister’s address will coincide with the release of his annual report card on progress under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, a collaborative effort involving the Coalition of Peaks and state and territory governments. Albanese will argue against “talk of failure,” asserting that such discourse “dismisses the aspirations and achievements of Indigenous Australians” and overlooks the vital work of community leaders.
However, the latest data paints a sobering picture. Of the 19 targets established, only four are currently on track for achievement by 2031: increasing land rights, sea rights, adult employment rates, and early childhood education enrollment. While acknowledging the slow progress, the Prime Minister will highlight that six targets are showing improvement, and the 95% pre-school enrollment target is expected to be met with updated data later this year.
Regional disparities are also evident, with some states and territories demonstrating stronger performance in specific areas. For example, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, and the Northern Territory are seeing reductions in the number of children in out-of-home care, even as the national target worsens. Similarly, Western Australia, Victoria, and South Australia are making “significant progress” in reducing youth detention rates, though this trend is not reflected nationally, remaining unchanged since 2016-17.
The government is backing its commitment with substantial new funding. Announced Thursday are several key investments, including:
- A $299 million boost to the Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) scheme, aiming to create 6,000 jobs in remote communities by 2030.
- $144.1 million allocated to upgrading and repairing community-controlled health clinics and buildings.
- $27.4 million to expand the number of stores eligible for subsidies on 30 essential grocery items, addressing food security in remote areas.
- $32.7 million dedicated to food storage solutions for 75 remote stores, enhancing resilience against extreme weather events.
- $44.4 million for Birthing on Country maternal care programs, supporting culturally appropriate healthcare for First Nations mothers.
- $48.3 million for short-term hostel accommodation.
These investments are in addition to the previously announced $25 billion funding deal with states and territories, which includes $450 million earmarked for Indigenous health – $250 million from the Commonwealth and $200 million from the states. The government is also providing $13.9 million to extend the hours and add a text message service to 13YARN, a crucial mental health support service.
A standalone national plan to end violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children was launched earlier this week, accompanied by $220 million in federal funding over four years. Scott Wilson, deputy lead convenor of the Coalition of Peaks, emphasized that Closing the Gap requires empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organizations with the necessary resources to lead solutions. “We’ve seen it happen and we know it works,” he stated. “Our people and organisations have the knowledge and trust of their communities, and that is exactly what’s needed to drive real, lasting change.”
The Prime Minister’s report comes shortly after an alleged terrorist attack targeted an Invasion Day rally in Boorloo/Perth. Addressing First Nations people, Mr. Albanese will state, “We see you. We stand with you.” He will condemn the alleged attack as motivated by “racism and hatred” fueled by white supremacy, reaffirming the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to gather and express their views without fear of violence and to achieve “a full and equal place in our nation.”
Looking at specific targets, data from last year indicates progress in land rights, sea rights, adult employment, and early childhood education enrollment. However, four targets are moving in the wrong direction: suicide rates, the number of children in out-of-home care, adult incarceration rates, and early childhood development outcomes. Data on domestic violence rates remains unavailable, hindering progress assessment.
Opposition spokeswoman for Indigenous Australians, Kerrynne Liddle, criticized the government’s progress, stating that Closing the Gap targets are “continue to worsen” and the lack of data on family violence is concerning.
The 2020 Closing the Gap agreement, forged in partnership with the Coalition of Peaks representing over 80 community-controlled organizations (ACCOs), prioritizes ACCOs as effective service providers. However, a 2024 review by the Productivity Commission found that government engagement with Indigenous communities has often been “tokenistic,” with a continuation of “business-as-usual” approaches. A separate review by the Jumbunna Institute last year revealed that ACCOs are “doing the heavy lifting while at the same time being under-resourced in comparison with government.” .
Ultimately, the success of Closing the Gap hinges on a sustained commitment to genuine partnership, adequate resourcing, and a willingness to listen to and empower First Nations voices.
