Prab: CSV import

2024-05-19T13:40:50Z

CSV import

New page

[[file:CC-BY_icon.svg|thumb|left]] {{Short description|Australian government policy to reduce Indigenous disadvantage}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Use Australian English|date=October 2023}}

'''Closing the Gap''' is an Australian government policy aimed at reducing disadvantage among [[Indigenous Australians]] in areas such as health, education, and employment. The policy was initiated in response to the [[Social Justice Report 2005]] by the [[Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner]], which highlighted significant disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

==Background==
The term "Closing the Gap" refers to the gap in life expectancy, educational achievement, and employment opportunities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The policy was formally adopted by the [[Council of Australian Governments]] (COAG) in 2008, with a commitment to achieving equality in health status and life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians by 2030.

==Targets==
The Closing the Gap strategy initially set out six key targets:
* Close the life expectancy gap within a generation.
* Halve the gap in mortality rates for Indigenous children under five within a decade.
* Ensure access to early childhood education for all Indigenous four-year-olds in remote communities within five years.
* Halve the gap in reading, writing, and numeracy achievements for Indigenous students within a decade.
* Halve the gap in Year 12 attainment rates for Indigenous students by 2020.
* Halve the gap in employment outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a decade.

==Progress and Challenges==
Progress towards these targets has been mixed. While there have been improvements in some areas, such as [[Year 12]] attainment and child mortality rates, other areas, such as life expectancy and employment, have seen less progress. The complexity of the issues, including the impact of [[social determinants of health]], systemic discrimination, and historical injustices, has made achieving these targets challenging.

==Revised Framework==
In 2020, a new National Agreement on Closing the Gap was established, which introduced additional targets and a greater emphasis on partnership with Indigenous communities. The revised framework includes 16 socio-economic targets and focuses on areas such as housing, justice, and land and waters rights.

==Partnerships and Governance==
The success of Closing the Gap relies on effective partnerships between governments, Indigenous organisations, and communities. The [[Coalition of Peaks]], a representative body of over 50 Indigenous community-controlled peak organisations, plays a crucial role in the governance and implementation of the policy.

==Criticism and Future Directions==
Despite some successes, the Closing the Gap policy has faced criticism for its slow progress and lack of sufficient funding. Advocates argue for a more holistic approach that addresses the root causes of disadvantage and empowers Indigenous communities to lead the change.

==See also==
* [[Indigenous health in Australia]]
* [[Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education]]
* [[Indigenous employment in Australia]]
* [[Social determinants of health]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Closing the Gap (Australia)}}

[[Category:Indigenous Australian politics]]
[[Category:Public policy in Australia]]
[[Category:Health in Australia]]
[[Category:Education in Australia]]
[[Category:Employment in Australia]]
[[Category:2008 establishments in Australia]]

{{medicine-stub}}

Closing the Gap - Revision history

Prab: CSV import