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The Prime Minister has released the Commonwealth’s first Closing the Gap Implementation Plan. Developed by Ministers and Commonwealth agencies with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partners including the Coalition of Peaks; the Plan is supported by more than $1 billion in new measures across a range of Commonwealth programs and strategies. Prime Minister The Hon Scott Morrison MP said with the release of the Plan, the Government was turning the commitments made under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap into practical action.
“The Plan highlights the real and practical actions to be taken across all areas of government and also commits funding to actions that will ensure we get there. We’ve listened together and are taking action together.” The Plan outlines the actions the Government is taking to achieve the four Priority Reforms and the 17 socio-economic targets in the National Agreement over the coming decade. Minister Wyatt said the Implementation Plan and associated investments showed the Commonwealth was serious about delivering on the National Agreement. “We will report on our progress each year, and the plan will be updated at the same time in partnership and based on evidence and data. This will keep us accountable and ensure we are aligned with the priorities of the people it affects most.” The Productivity Commission will track progress through an online dashboard and an annual data compilation report, undertaking a detailed review every three years. There will also be an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led review every three years to better understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ experiences of change. Among the measures, the Prime Minister announced the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme. The Scheme will invest $378.6 million over five years for a financial and wellbeing package to support Stolen Generations survivors from the Northern Territory, the Australian Capital Territory and Jervis Bay Territory.
