Description

In this third annual report on closing the gap in Indigenous disadvantage, the Government states that its agenda is driven by three important imperatives: to overcome decades of under-investment in services and infrastructure; to encourage and support personal responsibility as the foundation for healthy, functional families and communities; and to build new understanding and respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. It reports that significant improvements have been made in child mortality in recent years, although the gap still remains too large. The Government has identified seven key building blocks, addressing specific areas of Indigenous disadvantage, to which Governments have committed an unprecedented investment: early childhood, schooling, health, healthy homes, safe communities, economic participation, governance and leadership. An independent and regular reporting framework has been established through the Council of Australian Governments Reform Council to make sure that governments at every level are accountable.