The targets are a commitment from all levels of government to reduce disadvantages faced by First Nations people.
Of the 19 targets, only four are on track to be met, while four are worsening.
Closing the Gap
In 2008, the Federal Government introduced targets “to overcome the entrenched inequality” faced by First Nations people.
These are referred to as the Closing the Gap targets, which aim to make the “life outcomes” of First Nations people “equal to those of all Australians”.
In 2020, new targets were set because the original targets weren’t being met. They have been agreed to by local, state, territory, and federal governments.
On track
First, here are the four targets that are on track:
- An increase in the number of First Nations children enrolled in early childhood education/preschool.
- An increase in the amount of land under the rights or interests of First Nations people.
- An increase in the amount of water under the rights or interests of First Nations people.
- A majority of First Nations people aged 25-64 are employed. The data for this target has not been updated since 2021.
Worsening
Four targets have worsened and are not on track, according to the PC’s updated data.
1. Criminal justice
This target is to reduce the rate of First Nations adults by 15% by 2031. In 2024, there were more First Nations adults in prison than in 2023.
Your contribution ensures The Daily Aus can continue doing the work you love.
I want to give $10 monthly to help TDA keep doing the news.
Your details:
2. Children in out-of-home care
This target is to reduce the proportion of First Nations children in out-of-home care. Data from 2023 showed the number of First Nations children in out of home care had increased since 2019. This rate was the same in 2024.
3. Social and emotional wellbeing
The rate of suicide for First Nations people has increased since baseline data was collected in 2018, and is not on track towards zero.
4. Childhood development
In 2024, around a third of First Nations children were “developmentally on track” at the start of school. This is a decline from 2018, and is not on track to meet the target of 55% by 2031.
Progressing
There were some that are improving, but not on track. For example, new data showed the target for more than 90% of First Nations babies born at a healthy birthweight is improving, but not on track.
The rate of young First Nations people in detention has not improved or worsened, according to the updated data.
Several other targets don’t have updated data.
Response
Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy said it was “very concerning” that the rates of incarceration, suicide, and children in out of home care were increasing.
Shadow Indigenous Australians Minister Kerrynne Liddle said the report “paints a stark picture of no meaningful positive change”.
CEO of peak body National Voice for our Children Catherine Liddle said: “These results are… the failings of governments who continue to fall short on their obligations”.
13 Yarn: 13 92 76
