Martu organisation, Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa (KJ) shows that there are ways to Close the Gap. The report, Walking the talk: what government can learn from the KJ Model, shines a light on a proven alternative. Built over two decades by Martu people in partnership with non-Martu, the KJ Model demonstrates how culture, community development and genuine partnerships can create lasting change. This delivers results that are both culturally grounded and practically effective. 

This article explores what the KJ Model contributes to the broader conversation about Closing the Gap, highlighting the lessons it offers for policy and practice. KJ’s Yiwarra Kuju justice reform program proves the impact of Aboriginal-led solutions. This culturally grounded initiative shows how Martu-led approaches reduce incarceration and strengthen communities in ways mainstream systems cannot.

The lessons for policymakers are clear: real reform requires sharing power, investing long-term, trusting culture as a foundation and building relationships rather than focusing on compliance – principles that could transform government practice nationwide. 

Lessons for government and policymakers

1. Power sharing is non-negotiable.
2. Invest in long-term, integrated strategies.
3. Evaluate differently. Evaluation must be accountable first to communities.
4. Trust in culture as a foundation.
5. Adapt, don’t impose.
6. Prioritise relationships, not compliance.
7. Transformation is holistic. The strength of the KJ Model lies in how its principles reinforce each other.