COAG partners with Indigenous Australians on Closing the Gap

The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) have issued a draft framework for Closing the Gap as a basis for further discussion with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

COAG leaders are committed to ensuring that the finalisation of targets and implementation of the Closing the Gap framework occurs through a genuine, formal partnership between the Commonwealth, state and territory governments and Indigenous Australians through their representatives.

The draft framework includes draft targets, accountabilities, reporting requirements and a way forward for the development of Commonwealth, state and territory action plans.

The draft framework was developed following extensive consultation with Indigenous communities, peak bodies and academics, and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to live their best life.

The arrangements of the formal partnership between COAG and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation will be settled by the end of February 2019, and will include a Joint Council on Closing the Gap, with Ministers nominated by jurisdictions and representation from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The framework and draft targets will be finalised through this Council by mid-2019, ahead of endorsement by COAG. A review of the National Indigenous Reform Agreement will be informed by the framework.

Further information on the draft framework can be obtained from the Council of Australian Governments or Closing the Gap websites.