The Coalition of Peaks, representing more than 80 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled peak bodies, is urging leaders to prioritize meaningful action to close the gap. This call follows the first independent review led by the Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research at UTS. The review serves as a critical accountability mechanism under the National Agreement, highlighting the need for improved outcomes for First Nations people.
The Coalition of Peaks, led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives, plays a vital role in the National Agreement alongside federal, state, territory, and local governments. As a key partner in this agreement, the Coalition is actively involved in monitoring progress and ensuring joint accountability for outcomes. Catherine Liddle, deputy convenor for the Coalition of Peaks, emphasizes the urgency of addressing pressing issues affecting Indigenous communities.
"When we're looking at where those statistics are really failing, it is failing our children," – Catherine Liddle
A Collaborative Approach
The Coalition of Peaks works closely with community-controlled organizations and First Nations peak bodies to drive change. This collaboration aims to enhance the lives of First Nations people through targeted initiatives and reforms. However, there is growing concern that without independent mechanisms at both national and jurisdictional levels, progress will remain stagnant.
"None of them exist at the moment. Unless we have an independent mechanism in place at a national level and at jurisdictional levels, we're certainly not going to see the progress that we need," – Selwyn Button
The review conducted by the Jumbunna Institute identifies areas requiring immediate attention, such as incarceration rates, child protection, and suicide prevention targets. These interlinked issues demand swift and decisive action from all parties involved in the National Agreement.
"We're seeing areas that need critical and urgent attention, like incarceration, child protection, suicide targets. Those things are interlinked, and they're moving too slow." – Catherine Liddle
Accountability and Action
As a key accountability mechanism, the review underscores the importance of governments committing to necessary reforms. The Coalition of Peaks holds a joint responsibility with governments to achieve tangible results for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
"Wake up, wake up. There is a road map there, and as governments, you are not committing to the reforms that you need in order to get progress," – Productivity Commission
In jurisdictions where investment in community-controlled services has been sustained, there are promising signs of progress towards achieving targets. This highlights the effectiveness of supporting Indigenous-led programs that address specific community needs.
"When you break it down to jurisdictions where you know that … there's investment in community-controlled services, and there's mums and bubs programs that have existed for long periods of time … those jurisdictions are showing that they're still well on track to achieve the target," – Selwyn Button
A Call for Meaningful Change
Catherine Liddle emphasizes that without adequate support systems for families, children will continue to suffer. The Coalition of Peaks calls on leaders to heed the findings of the review and take concrete steps towards closing the gap.
"We know that if families do not have the supports around them to genuinely engage, then that child will suffer." – Catherine Liddle
The National Agreement on Closing the Gap remains a pivotal framework for delivering improved outcomes in partnership with states, territories, local governments, and First Nations Peak organizations.
"The National Agreement on Closing the Gap, signed by all Australian Governments in 2020, remains the critical framework for delivering improved outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, in partnership with states and territories, local government and First Nations Peak organisations," – Malarndirri McCarthy
