Centred on the interconnected themes of justice, equality and healing, this report demonstrates how social, cultural and institutional determinants shape health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The report highlights the power and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in tackling longstanding health inequities and calls on governments across Australia to move beyond policy promises and take definitive legislative action.

The report presents evidence that community-led initiatives are making a difference and bring positive changes, despite persistent structural and systemic barriers. However, it also warns that without urgent legal reform and enforceable accountability, progress will remain vulnerable and slow. It features nine case studies from across Australia, each showcasing how culturally grounded, self-determined solutions deliver better, more sustainable outcomes for First Peoples. 

Central to the report are ten recommendations aimed at embedding Indigenous rights in Australia’s laws and public policy, strengthening accountability, and ensuring the National Agreement on Closing the Gap delivers real, measurable results. The report emphasises that the four Priority Reform areas – shared decision-making, strengthening the community-controlled sector, transforming government systems, and improving access to data – are essential levers for change. Without their full implementation, structural barriers and entrenched inequities will persist.

The report concludes that governments must step up and work in genuine partnership with First Peoples, creating the legislative, policy, and funding conditions necessary to sustain and scale the success already demonstrated in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.