Closing the Gap

About Closing the Gap 

Closing the Gap recognises the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

It is based on the belief that better life outcomes are achieved when Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples have a genuine say in the design and delivery of policies, programs and services that affect them. It also recognises that governments need to change how they work with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples to close the gap.

The National Agreement

The National Agreement on Closing the Gap (the National Agreement) was developed in genuine partnership between the Australian Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peak organisations. It is known as the Coalition of Peaks(Opens external website).

It sets out targets and reforms to change the way governments engage with First Nations people. These aim to improve life outcomes experienced by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Learn more about the National Agreement on Closing the Gap(Opens external website).

Priority reforms

Under the National Agreement are 4 Priority Reforms. They help improve the way we work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. They set out targets and outcomes to implement and embed the reforms. The 4 priority reforms are: 

• Priority Reform 1: Formal partnerships and shared decision making
• Priority Reform 2: Building the community-controlled sector
• Priority Reform 3: Transforming Government organisations
• Priority Reform 4: Shared access to data and information at a regional level 

Learn more about the 4 Priority Reforms(Opens external website).

Socio-economic targets 

There are 19 national socio-economic targets(Opens external website) agreed under the National Agreement. These focus on education, languages, housing, health, justice, land, waters and wellbeing. 

We are responsible for leading the Commonwealth’s response to 2 targets by 2031.

Cross cutting outcomes 

Cross cutting outcomes(Opens external website) support the socio-economic targets and priority reforms. They focus on individual and structural factors that influence progress across all areas. These outcomes highlight strategies and actions across all outcomes and targets. 

They have a strong focus on disability(Opens external website), gender and sexuality(Opens external website), ageing populations(Opens external website) and remote Australia(Opens external website).

Monitoring and reporting 

Learn more about how we are measuring and reporting our progress to close the gap.