This paper examines the persistent challenges in addressing disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, despite substantial investment in Aboriginal affairs and initiatives like the Closing the Gap agreements. The paper underscores the need for genuine evaluation and accountability in Indigenous policy, suggesting that current approaches may hinder meaningful progress.

In conducting this inquiry, the Senate Community Affairs References Committee was determined to investigate the structural drivers of poverty, the most significant impacts, which cohorts are most at risk, and what could be done to reduce poverty across Australia.

The 2023 annual report assesses the Commonwealth’s delivery against actions outlined in the 2023 implementation plan. The 2024 implementation plan is forward looking, outlining the Commonwealth’s strategic priorities for Closing the Gap over the next year.

The final report of the Productivity Commission’s first three-yearly review of government action on the agreement finds that governments around Australia have failed to fully grasp the nature and scale of change required to meet the obligations they signed up to.

The Australian government has committed to replace the Community Development Program (CDP) with real jobs with proper conditions. This consultation report outlines what NIAA representatives heard during a ‘listen and learn’ consultations phase with remote communities on the government’s plans.