As we move towards the end of 2020, it`s important to take note of the progress our country has made in terms of closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. One significant development is the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, which was signed earlier this year.
The National Agreement on Closing the Gap is a collaboration between the Australian Government and Indigenous leaders and organisations. It aims to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across a range of areas, including education, health, and employment.
One of the key features of the agreement is its focus on partnership. Indigenous leaders and organisations have been involved in the development of the agreement from the beginning, and will continue to play a central role in its implementation. This partnership approach is a significant departure from previous attempts to close the gap, which often imposed solutions from the outside without sufficient input from Indigenous communities.
Another important aspect of the agreement is its focus on priority areas. The National Agreement identifies 16 targets in areas such as early childhood, education, employment, and health. These targets are designed to be ambitious but achievable, and will be regularly reviewed to ensure progress is being made.
One target that has received a lot of attention is the commitment to halve the gap in Year 12 attainment rates by 2025. This is a significant challenge, as Indigenous students currently have a lower Year 12 attainment rate than non-Indigenous students. However, the National Agreement represents a commitment to working towards this goal in a meaningful and collaborative way.
So what does all of this mean in practice? The National Agreement on Closing the Gap is still in its early stages, and there is much work to be done. However, it represents a significant step towards improving outcomes for Indigenous Australians. By prioritising areas such as education and employment, and by working in partnership with Indigenous leaders and organisations, the National Agreement has the potential to make a real difference.
As we look towards 2021 and beyond, it`s important to remember that closing the gap is not an easy task. However, the National Agreement on Closing the Gap represents a renewed commitment to working towards this goal in a collaborative and strategic way. By working together, we can create a brighter future for all Australians.