This report presents the current state and progress over time of 14 of 17 targets endorsed in the 2020 National Agreement on Closing the Gap. The trends are analysed at the national, state and territory level, by remoteness and socioeconomic indexes, as well as by other relevant demographic and socioeconomic factors. The key factors associated with each target are identified and the implications of the findings are discussed in the context of existing policy and programs.

The report identifies key strategies for improvement in health-related, early years, socioeconomic and justice target outcomes to help drive the change for Closing the Gap.

Key findings

• Increased remoteness is linked to poorer outcomes across the targets; identifying factors behind this can inform policy.
• A life course approach to improving outcomes across the targets is critical, given the interdependency between targets.
• Common key factors associated with 7 of 11 target outcomes were socioeconomic wellbeing and financial stress.

Key strategies

• Increase government funding for programs and services provided by Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations.
• Increase access to health-care as well as access to culturally acceptable social services and workforce participation of First Nations people in health, education and social services.
• Increase capacity in geographic areas that have service gaps for preschool attendance.
• Improve cultural safety and engagement with families and communities.
• Increase recruitment and professional development of First Nations teachers.
• Provide young people with opportunities to stay engaged with school education through vocational education and training programs.
• Support young people throughout their secondary schooling for successful postschool transition, particularly in remote areas.
• Invest in programs and services that support families having difficulty caring for their children.
• Adopt family-focused case management for families dealing with domestic violence.
• Involve First Nations communities in service planning.
• Ensure universal access to culturally appropriate services.