This paper describes the core elements of the new policy architecture for Closing the Gap, set out in the National Partnership on Closing the Gap, finalised in mid-2020. These issues are significant, as Closing the Gap is the central pillar in government policy relating to Indigenous affairs. It outlines the genesis of the new arrangements and considers the ramifications of the adoption of shared decision-making and co-design processes in its development and implementation.

The paper explicitly identifies and considers a series of risks to the successful implementation of the new policy architecture, and suggests a series of further reforms that would minimise the likelihood of failure.