Minister for Indigenous Australians
Indigenous Affairs Ministers met via videoconference yesterday (Monday 3 November) to discuss priorities to progress outcomes for First Nations people and communities.
Ministers focused on the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (National Agreement) and discussed priorities for the Joint Council on Closing the Gap (Joint Council) meeting in Nipaluna Hobart on 21 November 2025.
Ministers discussed the development of a Joint Council response to the Independent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led Review of the National Agreement, acknowledging the critical role of First Nations perspectives on Closing the Gap in driving accountability and progress.
Minister Malarndirri McCarthy provided an update on the Commonwealth's First Nations economic empowerment priorities, building on discussions at previous Indigenous Affairs Ministers Meetings and Joint Council meetings.
Ministers discussed youth justice issues and acknowledged the need for continued focus on reducing the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in the criminal justice system.
Minister McCarthy also provided updates on the Joint Council Co-Chairs' meetings with state and territory Attorneys-General and other relevant Ministers, recognising that achieving youth justice outcomes requires coordination across governments and across portfolios.
Further updates were provided on food security initiatives, including the Commonwealth's Low-Cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme, and Ministers discussed preparations for the upcoming high-risk weather season.
Ministers also shared updates on state and territory truth-telling and treaty processes. They acknowledged the historic development in Victoria, with the Statewide Treaty Bill passing the parliament, the state becoming the first Australian jurisdiction to legislate treaty with First Peoples.
The Western Australian and Queensland Ministers were unable to attend the meeting but were represented by officials.
