Closing the Gap

Report 2019

The annual report to Parliament on progress in Closing the Gap

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Prime Minister

"While I am not going to pretend today that this situation does not remain in an unforgivable state, I am going to say that we can never rest as a nation until we change this for all time.

And I am here to say that there is hope. That progress is and can further be made.

So that one day we can say that a young indigenous boy or girl growing up in Australia will have the same chances and opportunities in life as any other Australian.

That is what Closing the Gap is all about."

^{- Excerpt from the Prime Minister's Statement to Parliament, 14 February 2019}

Read the PM's Foreword

Introduction

We have learned key lessons from the past ten years which inform the future as we commit to continue our efforts and the efforts of all Australian governments through COAG under the Closing the Gap Refresh. We need to work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, to address the priorities identified by those communities. A whole of government approach is needed to harness effort and ensure a cohesive approach to providing services for First Australians.

Report chaptersat a glance

Chapter One Celebrating Indigenous Cultures

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s strong connection to family, land and culture forms the foundation for social, economic, and individual wellbeing. This is integral to efforts to close the gap.

Chapter Two Infancy and early childhood

A good start in life gives our children the best chance for success and for going on to make the most of their opportunities in later life.

Chapter Three Education

A good quality education lays the foundations for success in later life. While all social indicators are important, education can be the catalyst for improving life outcomes in the long term.

Chapter Four Employment

Having a job can be transformational. It creates financial independence and fosters new and improved skills. It also acts as a gateway to other opportunities.

Chapter Five Economic Development

Economic development includes skills development, business development and employment. It paves the way for improving social and economic participation and is in turn linked to better health and education outcomes.

Chapter Six Healthy Lives

Access to health services is a fundamental right for all Australians. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a right to be healthy, well and safe.

Chapter Seven Safe and Strong Communities

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, like all Australians, have the right to live in a safe and healthy home and community.