National Agreement on Closing the Gap

Closing the Gap brings governments and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities together. It's their commitment to improve the lives of first nations peoples.

Aboriginal artwork made of of circles art that represents the areas of NSW (N, S, E, W)

Acknowledgement

Acknowledgement

Aboriginal Affairs NSW acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work and the places in which we live. We pay respect to Ancestors and Elders past and present. We recognise the unique cultural and spiritual relationship and celebrate the contributions of First Nations peoples to Australia.

NSW commitment to Closing the Gap

The NSW Premier signed the new National Agreement on Closing the Gap on behalf of NSW in July 2020. 

In this National Agreement, governments agreed to do things differently. This means working in partnership with Aboriginal organisations and communities to make decisions. The aim is to improve life outcomes for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

This agreement was also signed by:

  • the Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peak Organisations (NSW CAPO),
  • the Australian government, state and territory governments,
  • the Australian Local Government Association.

An implementation plan has been developed, in consultation with NSW CAPO. This plan has four key reform areas to change the way governments work with first nations peoples. It also acknowledges existing work, and that there is a lot more to do.

There are 17 areas with targeted outcomes. These include education, employment, health and wellbeing, justice, safety, housing, land and waters, languages, digital inclusion.

NSW has also developed a fifth priority reform on employment, business growth and economic prosperity.

This plan identifies focus areas and existing work underway while acknowledging there is a lot more to do.

The NSW Government and NSW CAPO are now partnering with communities to design new ways to make a difference. We want to hear from you on what will make a difference in your community.  

National Closing the Gap reforms

Find out more about the National Closing the Gap agreement and the priorty reforms.

National Closing the Gap 

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A panel of speakers on a stage talking at an Aboriginal business conference

Aboriginal business growth

Aboriginal business growth is a top priority. We take what we heard from Aboriginal businesses and stakeholders and help address their challenges. Our roadmap and task force show how we will do this. 

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Aboriginal artwork

Resource library

Access a library of policies, plan and other resources related to Closing the Gap. 

Contact Closing the Gap NSW

Postal address: PO Box 207, Mascot NSW, 2020

Phone:1800 019 998Business hours: 9am-5pm Monday to Friday

Follow Aboriginal Affairs NSW

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