The Closing the Gap agreement is a national agreement signed in 2020 by the Australian government and Indigenous representatives. The agreement aims to address the significant gaps that exist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in areas such as health, education, employment, and life expectancy.

The agreement includes 16 targets that are designed to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians and close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians by 2031. These targets include reducing incarceration rates, increasing high school graduation rates, and improving access to healthcare.

One of the key features of the agreement is a commitment to genuine partnership between Indigenous Australians and the government. The agreement recognizes that Indigenous Australians are experts in their own lives, and their voices must be heard in the development and implementation of policies that affect them.

The agreement also acknowledges the need for systemic change to address the root causes of inequality. This includes addressing the impact of historical policies such as forced removal of Indigenous children from their families, as well as ongoing issues such as racism and discrimination.

To support the implementation of the agreement, a new National Agreement Implementation Plan has been developed. This plan includes a range of actions to be taken by the government and Indigenous representatives, including the establishment of a National Indigenous Voice to provide advice to the government on issues affecting Indigenous Australians.

The Closing the Gap agreement represents an important step towards addressing the significant inequalities faced by Indigenous Australians. It is a recognition that genuine partnership and systemic change are essential to achieving meaningful progress. By working together, Indigenous Australians and the government can create a brighter future for all Australians.