Closing the Gap report released

Last Thursday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered the latest Closing the Gap report on the 18th anniversary of the Apology to the Stolen Generations.

The National Agreement on Closing the Gap (the National Agreement) was developed in genuine partnership between Australian Governments and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peak organisations (represented by the Coalition of Peaks). It sets out Closing the Gap Priority Reforms and ambitious targets that are changing the way governments work to improve life outcomes experienced by Indigenous Australians.

The National Indigenous Times reports that only four of the 19 Closing the Gap targets are on track and four are moving backwards, with just five years remaining under the current agreement.

The Albanese Government says it is continuing to deliver on its Closing the Gap commitments by working with First Nations partners, represented by the Coalition of Peaks, to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Highlighting the delivery of record funding in health, education and housing, Prime Minister Albanese says the task before his government is to “… build a future in which all Australians have access to the same opportunities.”

“Closing the Gap only works when governments listen to First Nations people and invest in community-led, practical solutions,” the Prime Minister said.

The Federal Opposition's Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Kerryne Liddle met with Stolen Generations Survivors as they visited Parliament to mark the 18th anniversary of the National Apology. "The National Apology was a defining moment in our nation’s history, and our responsibility to listen, learn and deliver practical outcomes continues," the Liberal Senator said.

"The Closing the Gap Report is also an opportunity for the Government and the Coalition to acknowledge the strength, resilience and courage of the Stolen Generation and to reflect on the work still to be done."

Read the Commonwealth Closing the Gap 2025 Annual Report and 2026 Implementation Plan here.

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Related news:

• Anthony Albanese delivers annual Closing the Gap speech in parliament (SBS on YouTube) 
• $144 million upgrade for Indigenous health clinics as PM argues failure on closing the gap is not an option (National Indigenous Times)
• New Closing the Gap Plan delivers boost to First Nations Health Services (Rural Health Pro)