Indigenous Australians Face Stalling Progress on Key Targets: Renewed Calls for Action
National Close the Gap Day, a significant occasion dedicated to addressing the persistent disparities faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, has highlighted a concerning reality: progress on crucial socio-economic outcomes remains largely stagnant, and in some areas, is actually worsening. Latest data paints a stark picture, prompting urgent calls for governments to better translate the invaluable leadership and insights of Indigenous communities into tangible, effective policy and action.
The Productivity Commission’s recent data updates reveal that out of 19 identified socio-economic outcome areas, a mere four are on track to meet the ambitious 2031 Closing the Gap targets. Alarmingly, another four areas are showing a downward trend, indicating a regression rather than advancement. Targets focused on critical areas such as improving child education development, life expectancy, infant health, housing, and the crucial elements of social and emotional wellbeing and family safety, have either stalled completely or are progressing at a pace far below what is required.
Alarming Rise in Incarceration Rates
Perhaps one of the most disheartening statistics emerging from the latest reports concerns the rate of incarceration among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults. A key objective of the Closing the Gap initiative is to reduce the rate of Indigenous adults held in correctional facilities by at least 15 per cent within the next five years. However, the data shows a significant and concerning increase. As of June 2025, the rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners has climbed to just over 2,500 individuals per 100,000 adults, representing approximately 2.5 per cent of the adult population. This marks a substantial jump from the baseline year of 2019, when the rate stood at 1,925.4 per 100,000 adults, or 1.9 per cent.
The sheer scale of this issue is underscored by the fact that, as of June 2025, a staggering 17,432 Indigenous Australians were incarcerated. This means that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people comprise more than 35 per cent of the entire adult prison population, according to figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The situation for young Indigenous Australians is equally dire. Youth detention rates have remained largely unchanged from nearly a decade ago. On an average day, 25.7 out of every 10,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged between 10 and 17 years are held in detention.
Nerita Waight, acting chair of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services, expressed profound concern over these figures. “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults are being locked up at the highest rate on record,” she stated. “National progress on reducing the rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in detention is unchanging.”
Waight further highlighted a deeply troubling aspect of youth detention: the majority of young people held on any given day are on remand. This means they are detained without having been found guilty of any crime, with the proportion in some instances exceeding 90 per cent. “This is absolutely unacceptable,” she emphasised.
Ms Waight pointed out that the federal government possesses significant levers, particularly through funding agreements with states and territories, which could drive meaningful policy reform and genuinely improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Child Development and the Critical Need for Early Intervention
Beyond incarceration, other vital areas are also showing concerning trends. Child development rates have seen a decline, with only 33.9 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children commencing school being assessed as developmentally on track. This underscores the critical importance of early intervention and support.
Indigenous Leadership Must Be Matched by Government Action
Karl Briscoe, co-chair of Close the Gap, has consistently emphasised the pivotal role of Indigenous communities in spearheading change. He stresses the urgent need for this community-driven momentum to be effectively translated into government policy.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities continue to show remarkable leadership,” Briscoe remarked. “Despite facing numerous challenges, these communities demonstrate resilience, innovation and a commitment to building a better future for generations to come. Now it’s time for governments to back this with action.”
Ros Moriarty, the executive director of the Moriarty Foundation, an organisation operated by Indigenous Australians, echoed this sentiment, identifying the early education years as a crucial foundation for ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children can thrive.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in an address to parliament earlier this year, acknowledged the government’s commitment, stating that they were “not contemplating failure” and remained resolute in their determination to bridge the disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. However, the latest data suggests that the gap remains stubbornly wide, demanding a more robust and responsive approach from all levels of government.
For immediate support and confidential counselling, individuals can reach out to:
* 13YARN: 13 92 76
* Lifeline: 13 11 14
