Closing the Gap: Prime Minister's Report 2012

Abstract:

Closing the Gap is a framework for action on one of our nation’s most important challenges. Work on reducing Indigenous disadvantage is a shared responsibility, requiring intense and collaborative effort from all governments, Indigenous people, the private sector, non-government organisations and the wider community. The National Indigenous Reform Agreement, endorsed by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in 2008, commits all governments to six ambitious Closing the Gap targets relating to life expectancy, infant mortality, education and employment. The Agreement identifies seven inter-related areas for investment and change — the ‘building blocks’ for better lives. It is supported by historic investment through a series of Indigenous-specific and mainstream National Partnership Agreements. Closing the Gap ends the ad hoc arrangements of previous approaches to Indigenous policy which contributed to the unacceptable levels of disadvantage faced by too many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Closing the Gap reflects a renewed determination arising from the goodwill brought about by the National Apology to Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and in particular to the Stolen Generations. The Apology was a formal acknowledgement of the injustice of past government practices and it provided an important foundation for a new relationship between Indigenous and other Australians based on mutual respect and responsibility. Over the last year the Australian Government has been sponsoring a national conversation about recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia’s Constitution. In December 2010, an Expert Panel was established to provide advice about how constitutional recognition might be achieved. The panel presented their final report to the Prime Minister on 19 January 2012 at a ceremony at the National Gallery of Australia. The Government believes that constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians will help in achieving a more united and reconciled future, and is committed to building the momentum for this change.