‘Promises, resets, and rebrands’: Closing the Gap report released

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations must be given the ‘power and resources to lead solutions’, says one expert, as new Closing the Gap data reveals only four of its 19 targets are on track to be met by deadline.
 
The Commonwealth Closing the Gap 2025 Annual Report and 2026 Implementation Plan were released on Thursday, bringing about mixed reviews.
 
Among the achievements are 28 funded community‑led justice reinvestment initiatives, culturally safe rheumatic heart care delivered across 114 sites, 10 new Regional University Study Hubs, and 264 new houses built across remote communities.
 
However, the report also shows key targets are not being met by the Government.

Significantly, a target to reduce the rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults held in incarceration by at least 15% by 2031 is now worsening and not on track.
 
Also not on track is the target to reduce the rate of over‑representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out‑of‑home care by 45% by 2031 – a worsening target announced almost 18 years to the day since the Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples.
 
Scott Wilson, Deputy Lead Convenor of the Coalition of Peaks, said Closing the Gap means giving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations the power and resources to lead solutions.
 
‘We’ve seen it happen and we know it works,’ he said.
 
‘Our people and organisations have the knowledge and trust of their communities and that is exactly what’s needed to drive real, lasting change.’
 
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said while there is more to do, ‘we must also guard against talk of failure’.
 
‘Failure is a word for those who have stopped trying or given up listening,’ he said.
 
‘I make this clear today – I am not contemplating failure. Our Government is not contemplating failure.’
 
But Uluru Dialogue Co-Chairs Pat Anderson and Professor Megan Davis said after three decades of ‘promises, resets and rebrands, there is little to show for it’.
 
‘It is a profound irony for governments to caution ordinary people against naming failure when that failure belongs to policymakers,’ they said.
 
The National Agreement on Closing the Gap includes four priority reforms, one of which is transforming government organisations.
 
Through it, governments have agreed to transformation that includes systemic and structural change, improving accountability and identifying and eliminating racism.
 
The Productivity Commission’s independent review of the National Agreement in 2024 found ‘the transformation of government organisations has barely begun’.
 
In response to the Closing the Gap report’s revelations, the RACGP is calling on all governments to put more resources into tackling racism, including acknowledging racism as a determinant of health.
 
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said research is showing that racism is the single biggest risk factor to impact the gap in health outcomes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-indigenous Australians. 
 
‘We have the evidence and we have the solutions; it is time for all governments to commit to eliminating racism,’ he said.
 
‘This means not only addressing interpersonal racism but breaking down the systemic and structural racism that has plagued our health system and broader social systems for far too long.  
 
‘Elevating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led health solutions and prioritising culturally safe environments is key. As is supporting GPs to have the time to care for patients who are experiencing the health impacts of racism.’
 
Last month, a report by the Lowitja Institute called for urgent ‘targeted policy interventions that address racism, in all its forms’.
 
‘While racism can be harmful at any age, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children it can be particularly damaging and have lifelong impacts on health and wellbeing, and onto next generations,’ it said.
 
Dr Wright said the RACGP is already taking action to support the elimination of racism within the college, in general practice, general practice training, and across healthcare.  
 
‘This includes acknowledging the ongoing impact of colonisation, listening to those who experience racism, and fostering a culture of truth-telling,’ he said. 
 
‘It also includes challenging structural barriers and unequal power dynamics and doing better when it comes to combatting racism.
 
‘We are committed to co-creating a health system that is entirely free from racism and discrimination, and we hope to see the same commitment reflected in efforts from all levels of government in 2026.’
 
Last year, the RACGP updated its position statement on racism in the healthcare system, calling on governments to implement the Australian Human Rights Commission’s National Anti-Racism Framework, develop a clear definition of racism in health, and co-design health policy with patients and healthcare providers from culturally and racially marginalised backgrounds.
 
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health Closing the Gap