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Close the Gap Day

Close the Gap Day

Hansard ID:
HANSARD-1820781676-99119
Date:
March 26, 2025

The Hon. AILEEN MacDONALD (10:03): I move:

(1)That this House recognises Close the Gap Day on 20 March 2025 as an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing work to improve life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through genuine partnership and shared decision-making.

(2)That this acknowledges the National Agreement on Closing the Gap signed in July 2020, which established 17 socio‑economic targets and four priority reforms to drive systemic change and improve services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

(3)That this commends the role of the Coalition of Peaks, representing over 50 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled organisations, in advocating for policies that empower communities and ensure self-determined service delivery.

(4)That this House further recognises the four priority reforms designed to transform how governments engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by:

(a)strengthening formal partnerships and shared decision-making;

(b)supporting the growth of community controlled organisations;

(c)reforming government institutions to deliver culturally appropriate services; and

(d)ensuring shared access to data to enable informed decision-making at a local level.

(5)That this House calls on the Government to remain accountable for progress on Closing the Gap by continuing to work in genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and ensuring that Government policies deliver real and measurable improvements in health, education, economic participation and social outcomes.

(6)That this House affirms the importance of respecting and strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures as central to Closing the Gap and building a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Australians.

Motion agreed to.

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