The Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships has launched the State’s first implementation plan to ‘Close the Gap’.
The Department said the move was as 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 continued the 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.”
He said the Plan detailed 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,” Mr Crawford said.
“Strong partnerships will help more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities to thrive in Queensland and across the nation.”
He said the Government recognised 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,” Mr Crawford said.
The 48-page Queensland’s 2021 Closing the Gap Implementation Plan can be accessed at this PS News link.
