Closing the Gap: How we are going to achieve it

What is the 2025-28 Implementation Plan?

The National Agreement on Closing the Gap commits all governments to work differently with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It’s about building stronger partnerships and creating lasting change in communities.

The 2025-2028 Implementation Plan sets out how NSW will deliver on these commitments. It outlines the policies, programs and reforms developed in partnership with Aboriginal communities to make a real difference on the ground. The plan responds to community calls for stronger partnerships, greater accountability and a greater voice in the decisions that affect their lives.

The NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations (NSW CAPO) is a group of peak organisations that advocates for Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations across the state. NSW CAPO works in partnership with the NSW Government and Local Government NSW to deliver the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

For the NSW Government, this partnership is an opportunity to learn and transform the way we work together. Decision-making is shared between government and Aboriginal people.

Read the 2025-2028 Implementation Plan

Who is implementing the plan?

Shared decision making

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must be able to make decisions about policies that affect their lives and communities.

The NSW Government and NSW CAPO have agreed to put in place and track NSW’s plan to Closing the Gap. These joint governance arrangements make up the NSW Partnership for Closing the Gap.

NSW Partnership Working Group

The NSW Partnership Working Group is made up of:

NSW Government senior executives across relevant departments,
NSW CAPO members,
Representatives from the National Indigenous Australians Agency,
Local Government NSW,
NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Regional Alliances.

NSW Government

Aboriginal Affairs NSW manages the work needed to meet the National Agreement commitments. Aboriginal Affairs NSW works with Regional Alliances and Aboriginal communities on their priorities.

NSW CAPO

The NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations (NSW CAPO) represents the interests of Aboriginal Peoples of NSW. NSW CAPO is a member of the national Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peak Organisations.

Young Aboriginal school boy in class, putting his hand up to answer a question

NSW Joint Council

The NSW Joint Council (NSWJC) is the key decision-making group. They oversee the planning and implementation of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap in NSW.

It is co-chaired by:

the NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, the Hon. David Harris
and the chair of NSW CAPO, Councillor Anne Dennis, NSWALC, and John Leha, AbSec.

Members include:

All NSW CAPO members
Secretary, NSW Premier's Department

The group is supported by:

Deputy Secretary, Aboriginal Affairs NSW Group Premier's Department
Executive Director, Closing the Gap and Voice, Aboriginal Affairs NSW Group Premier's Department
CEO of NSW Aboriginal Land Council.

The principles underpinning the NSWJC are:

Inclusiveness, ensuring all perspectives are heard, respected and acknowledged appropriately as decisions are made.
That genuine shared decision making, including transparent negotiation and data sharing.
That views, needs, interests and aspirations of Aboriginal peoples are central in decision making.
Participation, ensuring the active and informed involvement of all parties is possible.
Partnership, in accordance with the strong partnership principles outlined in the Partnership Agreement on Closing the Gap.

NSW Partnership Agreement

The new Agreement builds on the National Partnership Agreement, signed March 2020, and the National Agreement on Closing the Gap signed in July 2020.

It acknowledges and provides guidance on what partnership looks like in NSW. The Agreement highlights NSW’s commitment to Closing the Gap. It is a genuine partnership towards our shared goals for Aboriginal people and communities.

Read the NSW Agreement