Evidence Review and Analysis of the Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS) Program

Ninti One partnered with the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) and the Australian Council for Educational Research to deliver a national evidence review of the Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS) Program 1.2: Children and Schooling.

This work supported NIAA’s commitment to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, in alignment with national priorities including the Closing the Gap Agreement.

Working closely with NIAA, Ninti One led stakeholder engagement and evidence gathering across government, community and sector partners. This included consultation with Australian Government agencies, First Nations advisory groups, peak bodies and education providers to capture diverse perspectives on what is working, where gaps exist, and how outcomes can be strengthened across the early years and education sectors.

The project generated a robust evidence base on how IAS investments align with policy priorities, community needs and existing service systems. It identified opportunities to reduce duplication, address service gaps and strengthen coordination across jurisdictions.

These insights informed practical recommendations to guide future policy, program design and performance monitoring, strengthening NIAA’s ability to target investment, support place based approaches, and progress national commitments to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.

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