The federal government is aiming to work towards closing the gap in socioeconomic outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people after a report revealed that only five out of 19 Closing the Gap targets are on track to be met. The Productivity Commission’s Annual Data Compilation Report highlighted areas where improvements are needed, such as early childhood development, reducing Indigenous incarceration rates, and lowering suicide rates. The new Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, has expressed her commitment to working with First Nations Australians, the Coalition of Peaks, and state and territory governments to bring about positive change.
Among the targets that are on track to be met by 2031 are healthy birth weight, children enrolled in preschool, and Indigenous employment. Additionally, improvements in the coverage of land and sea areas under Indigenous legal rights and interests are also progressing at the required rate. However, challenges remain in areas such as reducing the number of children in out-of-home care and closing the gap in life expectancy between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians. The report noted that suicide is the leading cause of death for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 to 39, highlighting the urgent need for intervention and support services.
Commissioner Selwyn Button emphasized the importance of culturally safe and responsive services in improving socioeconomic outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The report also revealed that the life expectancy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women is significantly lower than that of non-Indigenous men and women, further reinforcing the need for targeted interventions and support.
While the data presented in the report is concerning, Minister McCarthy has expressed her determination to seek bipartisan support for addressing the gaps in Indigenous affairs. She underscored the need for collaborative efforts across all levels of government and with Indigenous stakeholders to drive positive change and ensure that all targets are met by 2031. It is clear that there is a long road ahead in closing the gap in socioeconomic outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, but with a commitment to working together, progress can be made towards achieving equality and improved outcomes for all.
