Queensland has launched its first Closing the Gap Implementation plan — a key milestone in nationwide efforts to Close the Gap in life outcomes between Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous peoples.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Craig Crawford said the plan continues the Palaszczuk Government's reframing of the relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
"We are working together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – doing things with people and not to them – to deliver real change, Mr Crawford said.
"We have partnered with Queensland's peak community-controlled organisations to develop the plan, which will be updated annually, to reflect the experiences and ambitions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.
"The plan details the state's actions in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations towards achieving the Priority Reforms and national targets in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
"By working together, we aim to improve outcomes in health, housing, education, post-school qualifications, early childhood, employment, child protection, justice, languages, suicide prevention, domestic and family violence prevention, digital inclusion and land and water interests.
"Our $9.3 million over four years will also help build the community-controlled sector to ensure culturally appropriate service delivery to Close the Gap.
"Strong partnerships will help more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities to thrive in Queensland and across the nation.
"We recognise the importance of truth-telling, healing, and reconciliation for improved whole-of-life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
"We are also listening to calls from generations of First Nations people to progress a Path to Treaty towards a more just and inclusive future for Queensland.
"Self-determination and community-led decision-making are at the heart of Queensland's Path to Treaty, Local Thriving Communities reform and our state's plan of action towards achieving national Closing the Gap targets."
The 2021-22 State Budget includes $300 million to establish a Path to Treaty Fund — a major investment in reconciliation and healing to provide a strong foundation for the treaty making process in Queensland.
View the Queensland Closing the Gap Implementation Plan at www.qld.gov.au/ctg
Background:
The new National Agreement on Closing the Gap has increased targets from 7 to 17 following extensive national community consultation. It is the first Agreement developed in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, represented by the National Coalition of Peaks.
Queensland's progress to-date includes:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders experienced the greatest improvement in life expectancy Australia-wide in recent years
- early childhood education enrolment has significantly increased in Queensland since 2016, with Queensland on track to achieve target of 95 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children enrolled by 2025
- proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 25–34-year-olds in Queensland with tertiary qualifications has more than doubled since 2001
- Queensland's proportion of land under Native Title has significantly increased since 2011.
