Today the Productivity Commission has released new Closing the Gap data, including data specific to NSW.
The data shows that while we have made some progress, there is still a great deal of work to be done.
Closing the Gap is a top priority of the NSW Labor Government.
It is pleasing that progress is being made, with the majority of the Closing the Gap outcomes in NSW improving. Six of the targets are on track in the state:
- healthy birthweight
- children enrolled in early childhood education
- young people completing tertiary education
- young people engaged in employment or education
- people of working age (25 to 64 years) are employed
- housing overcrowding.
These results show Aboriginal people are getting a better start in life and capitalising on that start with better education outcomes, leading to better employment outcomes.
While these results are welcome, they are not enough.
A number of targets are going backwards, including children thriving in their early years, the number of young people in the criminal justice system, suicide rates and children in out of home care.
The NSW Government is steadfast in its commitment to work in partnership with Aboriginal organisations, communities, and people to Close the Gap.
In February 2024, the NSW Government signed a new Partnership Agreement with the NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations and Local Government NSW.
Our focus is on shared decision-making. We know that when Closing the Gap solutions are designed, led, and implemented by Aboriginal people and communities, we get better outcomes.
NSW is looking beyond the four nationally agreed priorities to also focus on economic development.
We are the only jurisdiction to have a fifth priority reform under Closing the Gap, focused on employment, business growth and economic prosperity via the NSW Roadmap for Aboriginal Business Growth.
We are working closely with the Aboriginal business community to harness their potential and build economic opportunities. This includes twice yearly business roundtable events and the establishment of an Investment NSW one-stop-shop for Aboriginal business support.
Today's data is a reminder that there is still a long road ahead. The NSW Government is committed to travelling that road with our Aboriginal partners to Close the Gap.
