2011 Closing The Gap

Closing the Gap
Prime Minister’s
Report 2011
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© Commonwealth ofAustralia 2011
978-1-921647-73-4
Closing the Gap Prime Minister’s
Report 2011
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Closing the Gap : Prime Minister’s Report 2011
Contents
Executive summary 1
Investments on the ground 2
A partnership approach 6
Transparent and accountable reporting 7
Part A: Progress against the targets 9

Indigenous population of Australia 10
The targets 12
Part B: Strengthening the relationship between 19

Indigenous and non‑Indigenous Australians
National engagement 19
Local engagement 20
Part C: The building blocks 23

Building Block: Early Childhood 23
Building Block: Schooling 27
Building Block: Health 33
Building Block: Healthy Homes 36
Building Block: Safe Communities 39
Building Block: Economic Participation 45
Building Block: Governance And Leadership 52
Photograph
Amata, South Australia.
Lorrie Graham 2009.
Executive
|1
summary
The Australian Government’s Beyond government, there is a role for Significant investment
each individual, family and community to close the gap –
agenda to close the gap in
to take responsibility for rebuilding the Indigenous Specific
Indigenous disadvantage social norms that are the foundation National Partnership
is driven by three important of lasting change and governments Agreements
must support this. Positive social norms
imperatives: to overcome $5.5 billion
lead to personal choices that result in
decades of under-investment healthier individuals and families and
under the National
Partnership Agreement on
in services and infrastructure; greater life opportunities.
Remote Indigenous Housing
to encourage and support The Government is working to find
solutions to the complex problems which $1.57 billion
personal responsibility as the
underpin Indigenous disadvantage and under the National
foundation for healthy, functional have been decades in the making. Major Partnership Agreement
families and communities; and reforms and unprecedented investment on Closing the Gap in
have been made in education, health, Indigenous Health Outcomes
to build new understanding and
employment, remote housing and
respect between Indigenous $564.4 million
services, governance and infrastructure.
under the National
and non-Indigenous Australians.
The Australian and state and territory Partnership Agreement
governments have made significant on Indigenous Early
Tackling Indigenous disadvantage investments on Indigenous specific Childhood Development
is a national responsibility and a measures in a sustained effort to close
national challenge. It demands ongoing the gap. This is in addition to funding for $228.9 million
collaboration between all levels of mainstream programs that also benefit under the National
government working in partnership with Indigenous Australians. Partnership Agreement
Indigenous Australians, the corporate on Indigenous Economic
Clear targets have been set to close the Participation
sector and community organisations.
gap in life expectancy, early childhood,
The challenge of closing the gap requires health, education and employment, $291.2 million
that governments address previous and building blocks are in place under the National
under-investments in housing, policing, to focus effort for sustained change. Partnership Agreement on
health and education in Indigenous An independent and regular reporting Remote Service Delivery
communities and that mainstream framework has been established
services are specifically designed to through the Council of Australian
directly benefit Indigenous Australians. Governments Reform Council to make
sure that governments at every level
are accountable.
2 | In this third annual report on Investments on the ground their communities for medical
closing the gap, the Government care. The Indigenous mothers’
sets out the progress being made The Government has identified hostel in Katherine, Northern
towards reaching the targets to: seven key building blocks, Territory was expanded and
addressing specific areas of the new Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan
• Close the gap in life expectancy Indigenous disadvantage, which mothers’ centre was opened
between Indigenous and non- are vital to closing the gap. in Cairns, Queensland.
Indigenous Australians by 2031. Governments have committed
an unprecedented investment • The $90.3 million New Directions
• Halve the gap in mortality rates
to concentrate action in these Mothers and Babies Services
for Indigenous children under
building block areas. Action program is now funding
five by 2018.
is underway on the ground 63 services to increase access
• Ensure access to early childhood to antenatal care, improve birth
and is making a difference to
education for all Indigenous weights of Indigenous babies and
Indigenous people’s lives.
four year olds in remote provide continued support in the
communities by 2013. child’s early years to give them
Early Childhood Building Block the best possible start to life.
• Halve the gap in reading, writing
and numeracy achievement for • Around 47 000 Indigenous
Indigenous children by 2018. Australians used the services Schooling Building Block
offered through the Family
• Halve the gap in Year 12 or Support Program which provides • Education Ministers have
equivalent attainment rates for help and support for families endorsed the Aboriginal and
Indigenous young people by 2020. dealing with relationship Torres Strait Islander Education
problems and separation issues. Action Plan to focus action on
• Halve the gap in employment
priority areas to help improve
outcomes between Indigenous • Around 14 700 Indigenous outcomes in Indigenous
and non-Indigenous Australians Australians visited 45 education. The priority areas are:
by 2018. Communities for Children school readiness; engagement and
Progress is being made against sites which provide early connections; school attendance;
the closing the gap targets. For intervention programs literacy and numeracy; leadership;
example, significant improvements for families with children quality teacher and workforce
have been made in child mortality up to the age of 12. development and pathways to
in recent years, although the gap • Around 1 800 Indigenous parents post-school options.
still remains too large. These and children were supported • More than 3 500 Indigenous
improvements are encouraging, through the Indigenous young people at risk of leaving
but after decades of inaction and Parenting Support Services. school received personal
neglect achieving tangible results By 30 December 2010, 37 sites assistance under the Youth
in all areas will take ongoing across Australia were operating, Connections program in 2010.
investment and time. and these are expected to increase This helps young people to stay
to 51 services by June 2011. at school, get back to school or
• More than 6 150 children and take up training and achieve a
parents were participating in Year 12 or equivalent qualification.
69 supported playgroups • As of November 2010, the
targeting Indigenous families. Government had invested over
• Services for children and $89 million for school projects
families including child care, in the 29 communities covered
early learning, parent and family by the Remote Service Delivery
support are being expanded National Partnership. This
through a network of Children includes refurbishment of outdoor
and Family Centres. covered areas, construction of
new classrooms, multipurpose
• The $10 million Indigenous community halls, science centres,
Mothers Accommodation Fund and library resources centres.
is providing new and expanded An example is Shepherdson
accommodation for Indigenous College in Galiwin’ku which
mothers who need to travel from
|3
Photograph
Ntaria, Northern Territory,
Lorrie Graham 2009
received total funding of $5.2 million with a particular focus on remote

for the construction of a covered areas, to support them to continue their
outdoor learning area, a multipurpose studies. Another 390 scholarships will
community hall and a science centre. be available for university students.
• More than 5 000 students, at risk • The Parental and Community
of not completing school, were Engagement Program is a community
supported in academies such as driven program that assists families
the Clontarf Foundation football and communities to engage in
academies, the Former Origin Greats their children’s education through
Queensland academy and other participation in educational decision
sports-based academies in 2010. making, developing partnerships with
More than 50 per cent of participants education providers and supporting
reported improved academic and reinforcing their children’s learning
performance. Positive change at home. Since the program started in
in the attitude and behaviour of 2009, over 8 700 parents and caregivers
students was also reported. and a further 5 000 community
members have benefited.
• Around 1 510 year-long scholarships
will be offered between 2010 -12 to
secondary school Indigenous students,
4 | Health Building Block and antisocial behaviour. Youth

work programs in communities,
Under the Indigenous Chronic
including the Integrated Youth
Disease Package:
Strategy Project, are also bringing
• The Government is investing positive results.
$100.6 million under the Tackling
• An additional $49.3 million from
Smoking initiative over four
2008-09 has been allocated to
years from 2009-10 to reduce
expand and enhance treatment
Indigenous smoking rates. This
and rehabilitation services
includes the Tackling Smoking
across Australia. This includes
workforce, which will promote
funding for Indigenous-specific
healthy behaviours and reduce
residential rehabilitation services
lifestyle risks in Indigenous
and day centres, Aboriginal
communities. The Government
Medical Services, sobering up
has also provided $2.6 million
shelters, wellbeing centres, and
to smoking Quitlines to make
transitional aftercare services.
services more accessible and
appropriate for Indigenous
Australians. Healthy Homes Building Block
• More than 41 000 Indigenous • The Australian Government

patients, living with or at risk of is investing an unprecedented Lodge is providing 35 new beds
chronic disease, have benefited $5.5 billion nationally over ten for patients receiving medical
from access to more affordable years through the National treatment in Alice Springs.
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Partnership Agreement on
• As part of the Nation Building
medicines since July 2010. Remote Indigenous Housing.
and Jobs Plan agreed between
The Agreement addresses
• An additional 337 new positions the Australian and state and
overcrowding, homelessness,
have been funded in the territory governments 1 400
poor housing conditions and
Indigenous health workforce, of the 19 600 social housing
the severe housing shortage in
as part of the Indigenous dwellings being built are
remote Indigenous communities.
Chronic Disease Package. specifically for Indigenous
• To date under the National tenants. As of November 2010,
Other achievements
Partnership Agreement on 690 of the current 4 476 dwellings
in health include:
Remote Indigenous Housing, have Indigenous tenants.
• $50 million has been allocated more than 480 new houses
from the Aboriginal Benefits and 1 750 rebuilds and
Safe Communities Building Block
Account to improve access to refurbishments have been
healthy and more affordable completed across the country. • To protect children from abuse
food in 18 remote Northern and neglect, the Australian and
• New and refurbished dwellings
Territory community stores. state and territory governments
are subject to new tenancy
have established the National
• To reduce the risk of petrol agreements, which help tenants
Framework for Protecting
sniffing, the Government transition to rental arrangements
Australia’s Children 2009-20.
is providing an additional in line with other public housing,
The National Standards for
$38.5 million over four years and ensure regular repairs and
Out of Home Care, which apply
to enable at least 39 new retail maintenance.
to formal care arrangements
sites to supply low aromatic
• The $150 million Alice Springs including residential care, foster
Opal fuel in northern Australia.
Transformation Plan is delivering care and kinship care, are a key
Independent evidence shows
major infrastructure works component of the Framework.
that Opal fuel reduced petrol
in town camps. Eighteen new They ensure children in need
sniffing by 70 per cent across
houses and 24 rebuilds and of out of home care receive
communities sampled. More
refurbishments have been consistent, best-practice care,
active and visible policing
completed. The $11 million Apmere no matter where they live.
through the Substance Abuse
Mwerre visitor park has been
Intelligence Desks has helped • In response to the Growing
opened to reduce overcrowding
to keep down levels of sniffing Them Strong, Together report
and provide a safe place for
in the Northern Territory,
visitors. Refurbishment of The
the Australian Government • The Australian Government is Council between its members |5
announced a commitment of more investing $3.4 million over two and certified suppliers. By linking
than $34 million to help protect years to support Community corporate and government
children from neglect and abuse. Engagement Police and Officers purchasers with certified
This funding will support the in eight remote communities with Indigenous suppliers of goods
development of new family support high levels of crime and violence. and services, the Council has
services for vulnerable families, certified 67 Indigenous suppliers
• As part of the Australian
as well as increase the number and attracted 54 members since
Government’s roll out of
of child protection workers, and its inception in late 2009.
non-discriminatory income
help strengthen alcohol controls
management across the Northern • Extensive consultation on the
in the Northern Territory.
Territory, child protection income draft Indigenous Economic
• In partnership with the Northern management was introduced Development Strategy was
Territory Government, the in 2010. This means Northern undertaken between May and
Australian Government is Territory Government child December 2010, with over 110
providing $1.5 million to expand protection workers can now written submissions received
identity card technology to help refer parents to Centrelink for and 20 public workshops held
enforce alcohol restrictions. compulsory income management across Australia. The strategy
when children are being neglected will be finalised by mid 2011
• Following concern in the
or are at risk of neglect. and will set the key priorities to
community about the damaging
support Indigenous economic
impact of excessive alcohol
development.
consumption and the high Economic Participation
number of liquor licenses in Building Block • Ownership of land further
Alice Springs, funding of boosts economic participation
• 58 950 Indigenous job seekers
$1.5 million has been provided for Indigenous Australians.
had been placed in work by
to the Northern Territory The Australian Government is
the Australian Government’s
Government for the buy-back supporting reforms to resolve
reformed employment services,
of three take-away liquor licences. native title claims more effectively
Job Services Australia and
It is anticipated that the buy-back and efficiently, and to optimise
Disability Employment Services,
may be completed by end of June outcomes for native title groups
between their implementation
2011 to help reduce the high level of from agreement-making.
in July 2009 and March 2010
alcohol fuelled violence and neglect
respectively, and 31 December • The Indigenous Land
in the Alice Springs town camps.
2010. Both services have a strong Corporation, through Australian
• The Indigenous Family Safety focus on assisting employers Government funding, plays
program in 2010-11 provided in addressing skills shortages a crucial role in Indigenous
over $12.5 million to non- and filling job vacancies. economic participation. In 2010,
government organisations and the Indigenous Land Corporation
• Over 16 000 Indigenous
state and territory governments purchased Ayers Rock Resort at
Australians started employment
to deliver 42 Indigenous family Yulara, Northern Territory, which
and around 12 500 began training
safety programs in remote, will provide 340 Indigenous
in 2010 with support from
regional and urban locations jobs by the end of 2018. The
the Indigenous Employment
across Australia. These projects Corporation also established
Program. As part of the tailored
include safe houses, counselling, the Gunbalanya Pastoral and
assistance element of the
prevention and early intervention Meat Supplies which provided
program, work began on projects
programs, education and 28 new Indigenous jobs.
valued at over $180 million.
behaviour change programs.
• Indigenous Business Australia’s
• 1 993 Indigenous Australians were
• Under the Northern Territory Business Development and
supported into employment over
Emergency Response, there Assistance Program supports
the last twelve months through
are now 22 safe places in eligible Indigenous entrepreneurs
the Community Development
17 communities across the with small business loans, and
Employment Projects program.
Northern Territory. Safe places expert business guidance.
provided shelter for 491 women, • Over $4 million in contracts and At the end of 2009-10, the
399 children and 40 men $2.9 million in transactions was business loan portfolio comprised
between January 2009 and generated by the Australian 309 loans valued at $58.7 million.
November 2010. Indigenous Minority Supplier
to guide future investment

and government-community
cooperation and partnerships
in 29 remote communities. These
plans set out agreed priorities,
actions, responsibilities and
commitments.
• Around 700 people received
corporate governance training
provided by the Office of
the Registrar of Indigenous
Corporations in 2010. This
included advice on how
to incorporate, corporate
governance training for directors
and compliance with the law.
• Nearly 650 Indigenous Australians
have participated in the Indigenous
Leadership Program to strengthen
leadership skills.
A partnership approach
Working with Indigenous

Australians
The closing the gap strategy is
underpinned by a commitment
to stronger engagement with
Indigenous communities. Closing
Governance and Leadership the gap will be most successful
Photograph Building Block when driven by Indigenous
Mimili, South Australia,
Australians in partnership
Lorrie Graham 2009 • Under the National Partnership
with all levels of government,
Agreement on Remote Service
the private sector, the not-for-profit
Delivery, the Australian
sector and the broader community.
Government is contributing
Without the building of trust,
$45.1 million over six years to
mutual respect and personal
build community governance
responsibility, governments
capacity. The Australian and
will continue to struggle to
relevant state and Northern
create and sustain the positive
Territory governments are
changes required to achieve the
changing the way they work
ambitious closing the gap targets.
with Indigenous Australians in
priority communities to improve The Australian Government’s
access to government services, commitment to progress recognition
raise service standards, improve of Indigenous Australians in the
governance and leadership, Australian Constitution is another
increase economic and social important step toward building a
participation and promote nation based on strong relations
personal responsibility and and mutual respect.
positive behaviours.
In 2009, the Australian Government
• Governments and community undertook extensive consultations
members have developed with Indigenous Australians
Local Implementation Plans across the Northern Territory
about future directions for the The introduction of alcohol Working with the corporate |7
Northern Territory Emergency management plans aims to reduce and community sector
Response. The Government heard alcohol consumption through
The Australian Government is
what Indigenous people were community level commitments.
working with both the corporate
saying and changed the operation Following the introduction of a plan
and community sectors to close
of the Emergency Response to in Alice Springs in 2006, there was
the gap. The Government provided
ensure it respected the rights of an 18 per cent reduction in pure
Reconciliation Australia with
Indigenous Australians and fully alcohol sales and a decrease in the
$10.8 million over three years from
reinstated the application of the number of serious assaults. Alcohol
1 July 2010 to provide national focus
Racial Discrimination Act 1975 in management plans are now in
and leadership to work towards
the Northern Territory Emergency place in a number of other Northern
reconciliation. Increasingly,
Response legislation. Territory towns and communities,
Australian companies and
including Tennant Creek, Katherine
The Australian Government has organisations have developed
and Groote Eylandt.
committed $29.2 million to the their own Reconciliation
setting up and initial operation Fitzroy Crossing in Western Action Plans, formalising their
of the National Congress of Australia is recognised regionally contribution towards closing the
Australia’s First Peoples. The for the strength of its Indigenous gap. Over 200 Reconciliation
representative body will provide leadership. The community asked Action Plans are in operation and
a central mechanism with which the Western Australia Director over 200 are under development.
government, the corporate and of Liquor Licensing to impose Through their Reconciliation
community sector can engage alcohol restrictions which were Action Plans, organisations have
and partner on policy design introduced in October 2007 committed to recruit over 8 300
and implementation. and extended indefinitely in Indigenous Australians and have
May 2008. The second annual placed an estimated 5 300 in jobs.
review in December 2010 showed
Taking responsibility To harness the buying power of
reduced level of alcohol related
the Government, the Indigenous
Government investment is only harm and domestic violence,
Opportunities Policy will be applied
part of the strategy for achieving families purchasing more food and
to contracts over $5 million from
the closing the gap targets. clothing, being more aware of their
1 July 2011 in areas with significant
Individuals and communities health and taking better care of
Indigenous populations. Under
also need to take responsibility to children.
the policy, Australian Government
promote positive norms and social
In Queensland, the Cape contractors will be required to
behaviours to create lasting change.
York Welfare Reform Trial is provide training and employment
a partnership between the opportunities for local Indigenous
supporting this through a range
Queensland and Australian Australians and to use Indigenous
of measures and will continue
Governments, Cape York regional businesses in their supply chain.
to work with Indigenous people
organisations and the four
to build responsibility.
communities of Aurukun, Coen,
Transparent and
Measures include non-discriminatory Hope Vale and Mossman Gorge.
accountable reporting
welfare payment reform, which The trial encourages people to
includes income management take responsibility for community This report is the Australian
measures to encourage welfare well being by improving school Government’s third report on
recipients in identified locations to attendance and child safety, tackling closing the gap. The Council of
take responsibility for themselves alcohol and drug abuse, gambling Australian Government’s Reform
and their families. Through income addiction and family violence and Council will also provide an
management, priority needs such improving tenancy management. independent and comprehensive
as food, rent, clothing, electricity, report each year on progress
medicine and basic household against the targets. The first report
items are met. Welfare reform on progress will be released in
measures also encourage parents mid 2011.
to enrol their children at school and
make sure they attend regularly.
8 |
Part A |9
Progress against
the targets
Addressing Indigenous The closing the gap targets are an important part of addressing
ambitious and serve to focus disadvantage, both over an
disadvantage is one of the most
government action over the long individual’s life cycle and from
pressing challenges the nation term. While the magnitude of the an intergenerational perspective.
faces. It will require sustained challenge cannot be understated,
This section includes a statistical
the Government will not take a step
commitment – by governments overview of Australia’s Indigenous
back from these goals. Progress
at all levels, by the corporate population and progress against
is being achieved but more
the closing the gap targets.
sector, by social and can and will be done to ensure
we meet these commitments. The COAG Reform Council will also
non-government organisations,
Against some targets we will be provide a comprehensive report
and by Indigenous people. able to see progress and track each year on progress against the
our performance sooner than targets. The first report which was
others. After decades of inaction released in June last year, provided
and neglect, achieving tangible baseline information on the targets.
results in all areas will take ongoing The next report will be released in
investment and time. mid-2011.
The closing the gap targets are all

interrelated, with progress in one
having a positive influence on
others. Ensuring children have a
positive start in life and receive a
good quality education means they
are more likely to be employed and
healthy as adults, and therefore
in a strong position to raise their
own families when the time comes.
Reaching our targets is therefore
10 | Indigenous population to 721 000 by 2021 – an increase of

of Australia 39 per cent. Over the same period,
the total Australian population is
Understanding the age profile of the projected to increase by 24 per cent.
Indigenous population is critical to
ensuring that our efforts to close the Australia’s Indigenous population is
gap are well directed and take account relatively young. In 2006, half of all
of characteristics of the Indigenous Indigenous Australians were aged
population. The profile of the Indigenous 21 years or under. In contrast, half of
population is very different to the all non-Indigenous Australians were
non-Indigenous population. aged 37 or younger. Children aged less
than 15 years comprised 38 per cent
of the Indigenous population,
The Indigenous population compared with 19 per cent in the
is young and growing non-Indigenous population.
Australia’s Indigenous population is The population pyramid below reflects
growing rapidly. Indigenous Australians not only the significant proportion
comprise 2.5 per cent of the population. of the Indigenous population aged
Between 1991 and 2006, the Indigenous under 20, but also the relatively low
population grew more than twice the proportion aged 50 and above.
rate of the total Australian population.
The current estimate places the number
of Indigenous Australians at 517 000,
with this number projected to increase
FIGURE 1: Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Age Profiles – 2006
Males Females
85+ Non-Indigenous
Indigenous
80-84
75-59
70-74
65-69
60-64
55-59
50-54
45-49
40-44
35-39
30-34
25-29
20-24
15-19
10-14
5-9
0-4
7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 % 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Experimental Estimates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, June 2006, ABS Cat. 3238.0.55.001
The Indigenous population | 11

is more geographically dispersed
Almost one-third (32 per cent) of
the Indigenous population live in
major cities, 43 per cent of Indigenous
Australians live in regional areas and
some 25 per cent in remote Australia.
In contrast, 69 per cent of non-Indigenous
Australians live in major cities and
less than 2 per cent in remote and
very remote Australia.
Over half of Indigenous people live
in either New South Wales (30 per
cent) or Queensland (28 per cent).
Approximately 14 per cent reside
in Western Australia and 12 per cent
in the Northern Territory.
Closing the gap will require that policies
and programs focus on both remote
areas, where levels of disadvantage
are usually higher and major cities and
regional areas where the majority of
Indigenous Australians live, and which
also suffer from significant levels of
disadvantage.
12 | The targets Australians over this period. However,

there has also been a decline in non-
Target: Close the life expectancy Indigenous death rates so the mortality
gap within a generation gap has narrowed but not closed.
Life expectancy is a widely used Further, non-Indigenous life expectancy

measure of population health. It is is expected to rise over coming years.
affected by socio-economic factors This means, for example, that
including education, employment, Indigenous male life expectancy will
community functioning and housing. probably have to increase by almost
To meet this target requires sustained 21 years by 2031 to close the gap.
effort across all the building blocks.
Approximately 70 per cent of the gap
Official life expectancy estimates are
in health outcomes is due to chronic
only available every five years; however,
diseases, which tend to have common
mortality rates can be tracked on an
lifestyle-related risk factors such as
annual basis.
smoking, poor nutrition, obesity and
The current gap in life expectancy is low levels of physical activity. The
estimated at 11.5 years for males and interplay between these risk behaviours
9.7 years for females. The mortality rate and other social determinants of
for Indigenous peoples living in Western health is complex and it is therefore
Australia, South Australia and the important that we address the broader
Northern Territory, the jurisdictions with determinants of health as well as focus
adequate data for long term analysis, our efforts on prevention and better
declined by 27 per cent between 1991 management of chronic diseases.
and 2009 and there was a statistically
The implementation of the
significant narrowing of the gap in
$805.5 million Indigenous Chronic
mortality rates with non-Indigenous
Disease Package which is designed
to address this issue is on track.
FIGURE 2: The life expectancy gap, 2005-07
100 Indigenous
Non-Indigenous
82.6
80 78.7
72.9
Life expectancy (years)
67.2
60
40
20
0 Males Females
Source: ABS (2009) Experimental Life Tables for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, 2005–2007, cat. No 3302.0.55.003
Target: Halving the gap in mortality intensive care, the development of | 13

rates for Indigenous children under immunisation programs, and the 1 This revised baseline is based on data for
the five jurisdictions (NSW, Qld, WA, SA,
five within a decade (2018) success of intervention programs and NT) for which Indigenous mortality
data has been assessed as having
for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. sufficient quality.
Mortality rates of children aged under
Health system developments together
five years are an important measure
with family and community engagement
of child health as well as the overall
in rearing healthy children are helping
health of the population, and the
drive these improvements
physical and social environment.
Indigenous children are twice as likely Maintaining this positive trend
to die before their fifth birthday as requires the continued expansion
non-Indigenous children. In 2008 the of preventive care and child and
national Indigenous child mortality maternal health services, in particular,
rate was 221 per 100 000 compared to antenatal care, as well as continued
100 per 100 000 for non-Indigenous efforts to address broader social factors
children – giving a baseline gap of 121 such as socio-economic deprivation,
per 100 0001 . To achieve the target of maternal education, smoking and other
halving the gap in mortality rates for behavioural risk factors.
Indigenous children within a decade,
the mortality rate would need to fall to
around 147 deaths per 100 000 by 2018.
The gap in mortality rates has been
closing in recent years. This is due to
improvements in sanitation and public
health conditions, better neonatal
FIGURE 3: The Child mortality gap, Deaths per 100 000 children aged 0 to 4 years, 2008, 2009
250 Indigenous
221 Non-Indigenous
214
200
Deaths per 100 000 children
aged 0 to 4 years
150
100 100 99
(2008 gap =121) (2009 gap =115)
50
0 Males Females
Source: ABS (2009) Experimental Life Tables for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, 2005–2007, cat. No 3302.0.55.003
14 | Target: Ensuring all Indigenous Target: Halve the gap for Indigenous
four year olds in remote communities children in reading, writing and
have access to early childhood numeracy within a decade
education within five years
Education is a key factor for improving
Quality early childhood education is wellbeing and life outcomes; it is an
critical to ensuring young children important determinant of health and
have opportunities for early learning, employment. Literacy and numeracy
development and socialisation. The skills are fundamental to reducing
Government is committed to providing inequality in education. The gap
access to early childhood education in reading, writing and numeracy
for all Australian children in the year is influenced by a range of factors
before full–time school by 2013. including school attendance, teacher
quality and parental engagement.
While current data are limited, the
The target to close this gap consists
best available data suggests that
of 12 separate goals for Years 3, 5, 7, and
64 per cent of Indigenous children
9 in reading, writing and numeracy, as
were enrolled in preschool in the
measured by the National Assessment
year before school in 2009 compared
Program – Literacy and Numeracy
to around to 70 per cent of all children.
(NAPLAN).
The $995 million Early Childhood
There are some positive signs. From
Education National Partnership will
2008 to 2009 there was a reduction
contribute to attaining this target.
in the gap for Years 3 and 5 reading,
The funding is being used to support
and Year 5 numeracy. Further NAPLAN
new infrastructure, staffing and
data available later in 2011 will provide
program delivery activity. The funding
additional information on progress.
will be used, among other things, for
participation and inclusion support
services targeting Indigenous children
including Indigenous children with
additional needs. The mainstream
funding and activities supported
through the Partnership Agreement
are supplemented by the $293 million
National Partnership Agreement
on Indigenous Early Childhood
Development, which provides for
38 agreed Children and Family Centres
to provide child care, early learning
and parent and family support to
Indigenous families. Of the 38 centres,
16 are in remote areas.
While it is a positive sign that remote
Indigenous preschool enrolments
are relatively high (data challenges
notwithstanding), it is crucial to support
children and their families to ensure more
regular attendance. More detailed and
robust data will be collected by the ABS
during 2011, to become available in 2012.
| 15
FIGURE 4: Students at or above national minimum standards, 2009 Indigenous
Non-Indigenous
Reading
100
95 95
93 94
90
Percentage (%)
80
75
73
70
67 67
60
50 Year 3 Year 5 Year 7 Year 9
Writing
100
97
94 94
90 89
Percentage (%)
80 80
70 70 70
60 59
Numeracy
100
95 95 96 96
90
Percentage (%)
80
76 75
74 74
70
60
Source: MCEECDYA (2009) 2009 National Assessment Program—Literacy and Numeracy: Achievement in Reading, Writing, Language Conventions and Numeracy
16 |
Photograph
Amata, South Australia,
Lorrie Graham 2009
Target: Halve the gap for There is reason for optimism that 4.4 per cent of vocational
Indigenous students in Year 12 progress is being made, based on education and training students
attainment or equivalent existing trends. The Year 7/8 to (compared to 2.5 per cent of the
attainment rates by 2020 Year 12 apparent retention rate for general population), although
Indigenous students has increased completion rates tend to be low.
Research shows that completing
from 30.7 per cent in 1995 to 45.4 As vocational education and
Year 12 (or its equivalent) improves
per cent in 2009; in contrast, the training qualifications make up
transitions into further study or
non-Indigenous retention rate rose one fifth of Indigenous Year 12
employment, as well as broader life
from 73.2 per cent to 77.3 per cent or equivalent attainments,
opportunities. In 2006, 47.4 per cent
over the same period. increasing completion rates is
of Indigenous Australians aged
vital for reaching our attainment
between 20 and 24 achieved a Indigenous Australians undertake
target and will result in improved
Year 12 or equivalent qualification, vocational education and training
employment outcomes.
compared to 83.8 per cent of at relatively high rates, representing
non-Indigenous Australians
in the same age group.
FIGURE 5: Year 12 or equivalent attainment for Indigenous 20-24 year olds,

current level and required level in 2020 to meet the target
100
80
69
Percentage (%)
60
47
40
20
0 2006 Census 2020 Target
Source: unpublished DEEWR analysis

Target: Halve the gap in While the challenge is considerable Data limitations | 17
employment outcomes between there have been some positive
Improving the availability of
Indigenous and non-Indigenous developments. For example,
reliable data remains a priority
Australians within a decade between 2002 and 2008 the
for all governments. To improve
proportion of Indigenous Australians
Secure employment is important to the collection and reporting of
aged 15-64 with a job rose from
achieving a good standard of living data, the Australian Government
48.2 per cent to 53.8 per cent
and wellbeing. It benefits families has committed $46.4 million
and the unemployment rate for
and communities as well as the over four years from 2009-10.
Indigenous Australians aged
individual. In 2008, 53.8 per cent This investment will help build
15‑64 decreased from 23 per cent
of Indigenous Australians aged a better evidence base against
to 16.6 per cent.
15-64 were employed compared which to measure progress.
to 75 per cent of non-Indigenous The role of the corporate and
Data quality improvements
Australians in the same age group. private sector is also important
will lead to better estimates of
and there is a welcome and
The employment gap reflects, mortality and life expectancy
growing commitment of companies
among other things, relatively low through improved identification
of all sizes to create employment
labour force participation among of Indigenous people in the
and training opportunities for
Indigenous Australians. In 2008, Population Census and in health
Indigenous Australians.
35.5 per cent of the Indigenous administrative datasets.
population aged 15-64 were not Indigenous employment is
in the labour force, which means strongly related to education.
they were neither employed nor At relatively high education levels
unemployed. In contrast, only the employment gap is quite small.
21.7 per cent of the non-Indigenous In 2006 the gap in proportion of
population aged 15-64 were outside Indigenous and non-Indigenous
the labour force in 2008. people aged 15-64 who were
employed was 16.5 percentage
Increasing numeracy and literacy
points for those whose highest
skills for Indigenous people outside
level of education was Year 10
the labour force will be essential to
compared to only 4.5 percentage
meet this target.
points for those with a diploma,
bachelor degree or higher.
FIGURE 6: Employment to population ratio (age 15-64) by level of highest educational attainment, 2006
100 Indigenous
Non-Indigenous
84 84
80 79
Population Ratio (%)
75
70 69
63
60
56 56
44 46
40
30 31
20 20
0 No educational Year 8 and 9 Year 10 Year 11 and 12 Certificate Certificate Diploma and
attainment and below 1 and 2 III and IV Degree and above
Source: ABS, Population Census, 2006 (unpublished data)

18 |
Part B | 19
Strengthening the
relationship between
Indigenous and
non‑Indigenous
Australians
The closing the gap strategy is National engagement The Australian Government has
committed $29.2 million to the
underpinned by a commitment
National Congress of setting up and initial operation
to genuine engagement with Australia’s First Peoples of the National Congress.
the Indigenous community.
The National Congress of Australia’s
The Government has continued First Peoples is central to building Constitutional Recognition
to build on the new relationship new partnerships based on of Indigenous Australians
goodwill and mutual respect. The Australian Government is
which began with the National
The representative body will committed to progressing recognition
Apology to the Stolen provide a central mechanism of Indigenous Australians in the
Generations in February 2008. with which governments, the Australian Constitution.
corporate and community sectors
This relationship is based on The Government has appointed
can engage and partner on policy
trust and mutual respect. design and implementation. an expert panel to lead discussion
and debate about Indigenous
It will also be an informed and constitutional recognition
The Government is committed strong national voice for the goals, throughout 2011 and to encourage
to listening to the voices of aspirations, interests and values the public to put forward their views.
Indigenous Australians to help of Indigenous Australians. This The expert panel has been asked to
shape policy so that it matches will help to ensure policies and develop options for constitutional
the needs and aspirations of initiatives are suitably designed change that would have the most
Indigenous people. Without and implemented to address the chance of success at a referendum.
genuine engagement, we will needs of Indigenous individuals,
continue to struggle to generate families and communities. The expert panel is co-chaired
local Indigenous ownership of by Professor Patrick Dodson and
solutions and create and sustain The model for the Congress was Mr Mark Leibler AC. The Aboriginal
the positive changes required based on extensive consultation and Torres Strait Islander Social
to achieve the closing the gap with Indigenous people and the Justice Commissioner and the
targets. The Government also final design was developed by an co-chairs of the National Congress
recognises the important role the independent steering committee of Australia’s First Peoples are
community, corporate and private of Indigenous leaders, convened also members of the expert panel.
sectors play in closing the gap. by the then Aboriginal and Torres The expert panel will report to
Strait Islander Social Justice the Australian Government in
Commissioner, Dr Tom Calma. December 2011.
20 | Repatriation of Indigenous Localised Planning The Groote Eylandt Regional

Ancestral Remains Partnership Agreement which
Remote Service Delivery National was signed between the
For Indigenous Australians, Partnership Agreement Commonwealth Government,
the return of ancestors to rest
The Government is working with the Northern Territory Government
in peace in their homelands,
individuals and communities and the Anindilyakwa Land
and the associated recognition
in remote areas to identify Council on 20 May 2008 at
of the relationships between the
local priorities under Local Groote Eylandt was the first
land, the living and the dead is a
Implementation Plans. These plans Regional Partnership Agreement
key step towards restoring dignity.
form an important part of service in the Northern Territory and
The programs to repatriate planning and holding governments has already had successes in
Indigenous ancestral remains accountable for service delivery. increased housing, employment,
identify the origins of remains, health and governance outcomes.
notify communities, and assist The Remote Service Delivery
them to store ancestral remains and National Partnership Agreement
commits governments to deliver Northern Territory Emergency
secret sacred objects appropriately.
facilities and services to remote Response Redesign
The programs also arrange for
repatriation where it is requested. Indigenous communities During 2009 the Government
Through these programs, over comparable to those which would undertook extensive consultations
1 420 remains and over 1 320 secret be expected in any Australian with Indigenous Australians across
sacred objects have been returned town of similar size, location and the Northern Territory about
from Australian collections and need. The implementation of this future directions for the Northern
over 1 000 ancestral remains Agreement is being overseen by the Territory Emergency Response.
have been returned from overseas Office of the Coordinator-General This included over 100 whole-of-
collections. xfor Remote Indigenous Services. community meetings covering
The Coordinator-General all communities affected by the
The Australian Government works closely with Indigenous Emergency Response, 11 workshops
acknowledges that the return communities and governments with regional leaders and key
of Indigenous ancestral remains to drive the implementation of stakeholder organisations, and
is an important element in the initiative. numerous face-to-face discussions
healing the pain of past injustices
between Government Business
and building trust and respect
Regional Partnership Agreements Managers and individuals and
with Indigenous communities.
small groups in communities.
Regional Partnership Agreements The consultations helped to
Local engagement provide substantial opportunities reshape the future direction
to better coordinate government of the Emergency Response.
The Government recognises services and to give local
that closing the gap requires communities greater say in
a genuine partnership with program delivery. Reinstatement of the Racial
Indigenous Australians at Discrimination Act
Typically, a Regional Partnership
all levels. It is committed to The Australian Government has
Agreement is comprised of
extensive consultations with fully reinstated people’s rights
two parts that are developed
local communities to help shape and protections under the Racial
in consultation with local
policy that meets local needs. Discrimination Act 1975. Under
communities. The first part is a
statement of intent that defines legislation that was passed by the
the broad objectives, timeframe Parliament on 21 June 2010, all
of the agreement and key of the provisions in the Northern
principles as well as identifying Territory Emergency Response
who the parties are and their legislation that suspended the
roles. The second part is the plan operation of the Act have been
which outlines the actions that removed. In addition, all of the
need to take place to address the provisions in the legislation
priorities of the agreement and
the contributions of each party
in the implementation of projects.
that deemed certain measures, CASE STUDY region. There are over 70 | 21
such as income management, Many Rivers Regional Green Teams undertaking
five-year leases, and alcohol and Partnership Agreement environmental contract work
pornography restrictions, to be throughout the region. Many
special measures, have also been The Many Rivers Regional
of these are in the early stage,
repealed. This took effect from Partnership Agreement (the
but up to 50 Indigenous
31 December 2010. Measures have Agreement) is an agreement
people are employed in
been redesigned, where necessary, between the Australian
undertaking these contracts
to make them consistent with the Government, the New South
at any one time. A major
Racial Discrimination Act 1975. Wales Government, the Many
task for the Alliance is to
create sustainable long-term
Rivers Training, Enterprise
employment opportunities
New Income Management and Employment Aboriginal
in environmental work.
Corporation, the New South
Consultations with Indigenous
Wales Aboriginal Land At present many contracts
Australians on the future of the
Council, the Representatives are short term. For example,
Northen Territory Emergency
of Industry, and the Non- 12 people are presently
Response revealed that while there
Government Organisations. employed by the Ngurrala
were a wide variety of views about
income management, the majority Green Team in the Nambucca
The area agreement
of comments received indicated Valley, and between six
covers the Many Rivers
it should continue. and ten by Border Ranges
Region, including Tweed/
Contractors in the far north.
The new non-discriminatory Byron, Ballina, Casino,
These teams have provided
model of income management Coffs Harbour, Nambucca,
full-time employment for
came into effect on 1 July 2010. Kempsey, Taree, Hunter
several years.
The model is now available and Wyong.
across all regions in the Northern Since its establishment and
It is a practical example
Territory and has replaced income incorporation a little over
of community engagement,
management under the Northen a year ago, the agreement
promoting economic parti-
Territory Emergency Response. has sourced over $5 million
cipation and strengthening
At 31 December 2010 there were of major environmental work.
communities by developing
15 825 people participating in The Australian Government
solutions that are central
income management in the has identified the Alliance
to addressing Indigenous
Northern Territory. as a project of national
disadvantage.
significance.
Under its roll-out in the Northern
The agreement created the
Territory, almost 60 per cent of The agreement has recently
Green Team Alliance which
people eligible to exit income secured $1.2 million from
is an incorporated company
management have chosen to the Government to provide
working to address high levels
continue to receive budgeting for intensive training
of unemployment among
support through voluntary income and support costs for
Indigenous Australians living
management. The high uptake of two members each from
on the coast of New South
voluntary income management 15 advanced Green Teams.
Wales from the Hawkesbury
indicates many people who were This will commence early
to the Tweed Rivers. The
income managed under the in 2011 and will involve an
corporation’s work capitalises
Northen Territory Emergency Indigenous Employment
on existing Indigenous work
Response believe it has had a Program provider and TAFE
teams (Green Teams) which
positive impact on their life and the New South Wales.
are already undertaking land
lives of their families and provides
rehabilitation work in this
tangible assistance to family
budgeting. Many people are telling
Centrelink staff they are reassured
by the financial support that
income management provides
and the convenience of the
Basics Card.
22 |
Photograph
Lajamanu, Northern Territory,
Lorrie Graham 2009
Part C | 23
The building blocks
The Australian Government Building Block: measures such as improved

recognises that ending Early Childhood information sharing between
Centrelink, Medicare and child
Indigenous disadvantage The safety, protection and well- protection authorities as well
will require long-term being of Indigenous children are as national standards to ensure
fundamental to the Australian the safety, health and welfare of
commitment. Significant
Government’s efforts. The children who can no longer live
effort is being directed across Government is integrating safely with their families.
strategic building blocks which services such as child care, early
learning, and parent and family To protect children through
support closing the gap. the provision of intensive
supports so vulnerable children
receive a better start in life. early intervention services,
The building blocks help integrate the Australian Government’s
In remote locations there $19.9 million Communities for
policy and recognise that achieving
are additional benefits from Children Plus program has started
the closing the gap targets will
consolidating resources to operating in Ipswich (Queensland),
require improvements across a
create safe and educationally Cardinia (Victoria) and Kempsey
range of areas.
focused precincts. (New South Wales). By June 2011,
To help turn around decades of services will also be operating in
The Government is also ensuring
under-investment and to make Launceston (Tasmania), Midland
mainstream services meet the
lasting long-term improvements (Western Australia), Campbelltown
needs of vulnerable Indigenous
for Indigenous Australians, the (New South Wales) and East
children and families.
Australian Government is investing Arnhem (Northern Territory).
over $5.75 billion over three years. The Australian Government Over four years, these sites
has established the National will provide an additional
The building blocks help to shape
Framework for Protecting 1 200 children and families
key action the Government is
Australia’s Children 2009-20. with intensive early intervention
taking on the ground to end
For the first time, the Australian, services including parenting
Indigenous disadvantage.
state and territory governments support and mental health,
are harnessing their combined drug and alcohol abuse, family
resources to tackle child abuse and violence and housing services,
neglect; using every appropriate as well as child protection services
measure to protect children who if required.
are at risk. This includes practical
24 | Key achievements • Around 1 800 Indigenous parents • The Australian Government

and children are being supported has committed $6 million over
• The Indigenous Children Program
through Indigenous Parenting three years from 2010-11 to the
delivers early intervention and
Support Services to strengthen Strong Fathers, Strong Families
prevention programs targeted
parenting skills and support the Program to provide access to male
at families with children at risk
development, learning and well inclusive antenatal and early
of abuse or neglect. The program
being of Indigenous children. childhood development services
provides a range of different
The services support Indigenous for Indigenous fathers, partners,
services including playgroups,
families with children aged up grandfathers and uncles.
parenting programs, counselling,
to twelve years of age, with a
drug and alcohol education and • Ten new child and maternal
particular focus on children from
anger management training, health services have been
birth to two years, providing a
which work on the strengths of approved for funding across
range of services from home
community members to increase Australia, bringing the total to
making to drug and alcohol
their capacity to be caring parents 63 services funded under the
services. By 30 December 2010,
and positive role models. There New Directions Mothers and
37 sites across Australia were
are 32 locations in cities and Babies Services program.
operating, and this is expected to
regional centres across Australia A total of up to 11 000 Indigenous
increase to 51 services by June 2011.
where this program operates. babies and their mothers may
• Around 47 000 Indigenous be assisted over five years under
• Sixty-nine Supported Playgroups
Australians used the services the $90.3 million program.
are operating across Australia,
offered through the mainstream
targeting Indigenous families
Family Support Program which
with more than 6 159 children Access to Early
provides help and support for
and parents meeting regularly. Childhood Education
families dealing with relationship
These playgroups encourage
problems and separation issues. The Australian Government is
children’s social, emotional,
working closely with the state and
physical and intellectual • Around 14 700 Indigenous adults
territory governments to achieve
development as well as and children visited mainstream
universal access to pre-school.
supporting parents and Communities for Children sites
The Early Childhood Education
connecting them to other which provide early intervention
National Partnership with funding
community services. programs for families with
of $995 million will contribute to
children up to the age of twelve.
• A network of 38 Children and attaining this target.
There are 45 services across
Family Centres is being rolled out
New South Wales, Queensland, This funding can be used to support
– tailoring services for children
Victoria, Western Australia, infrastructure, staffing and program
and families including child care,
South Australia, the Northern delivery activity. Some examples
early learning, parent and family
Territory and Tasmania. Activities include pilot programs to deliver
support. The location of 18 sites
include home visiting, early pre-school programs in remote
has been agreed in consultation
learning and literacy programs, communities and town camps in
with communities, and services
parenting and family support the Northern Territory; participation
are now underway at West
programs, and child nutrition. and inclusion support for services
Belconnen (Australian Capital
At the Broadmeadows site in targeting Indigenous children
Territory), Maningrida (Northern
Victoria the program has seen and for Indigenous children with
Territory) and Bairnsdale and
a significant increase in the additional needs in Queensland;
Whittlesea in Victoria. By July
kindergarten participation improving the affordability of
2011, it is anticipated that services
rate in the city of Hume, community based pre-schools in
will be available from either
from 79.8 per cent in 2007 New South Wales, and employing
permanent or temporary facilities
to 90 per cent in 2010. additional full-time teachers to
at 12 sites across Australia.
support Indigenous children in
South Australian pre-schools.
In addition, the $293 million • Queensland is providing The Indigenous Mothers | 25

National Partnership Agreement extra kindergarten services in Accommodation Fund
on Indigenous Early Childhood communities where kindergarten
The $10 million Indigenous
Development, provides for is under-used by Indigenous
Mothers Accommodation Fund
38 agreed Children and Family families and delivering mobile
aims to improve Indigenous child
Centres to provide child care, and outreach programs targeting
and maternal health. It funds new
early learning and parent and Indigenous children in rural and
and expanded accommodation for
family support to Indigenous regional areas where centre-based
Indigenous mothers who need to
families. Of the 38 centres, 16 are services are not available.
travel from their communities for
in remote areas.
• Western Australia is progressively medical care in the final weeks of
There are encouraging state- rolling out 15 hours of pre-school their pregnancies and during and
wide Indigenous pre-school on a district-by-district basis, with immediately following the birth of
participation improvements priority given to locations with their children.
in New South Wales, with an high levels of socio-economic
A total of $273 000 has been
increase of 8.6 percentage points disadvantage and high numbers
provided for a small extension
to 88.2 per cent and Victoria, with of Indigenous students, including
and refurbishment to an existing
an increase of 5.3 percentage remote areas such as the Pilbara
10-bed Indigenous mothers’ hostel
points to 69.3 per cent in 2009. and the Kimberley.
in Katherine, Northern Territory
South Australia and Western
• South Australia is working to managed by Aboriginal Hostels
Australia have maintained their
improve attendance rates among Limited which was completed in
high enrolment rates, with South
Indigenous pre-schoolers through March 2010.
Australia improving its attendance
employing additional full-time
rate gap by five percentage points. Funding of $5 million was also
teachers to support Indigenous
provided to the Mookai Rosie
State by state examples of key children in pre-schools.
Bi‑Bayan Corporation to build
actions include:
• Tasmania is continuing and a new 24-bed facility in Cairns,
• New South Wales is providing extending outreach efforts to which was officially opened on
increased funding to 85 per cent Indigenous families and their 24 September 2010.
of community pre-schools, having children, to encourage better
.
significantly increased subsidies attendance at pre-school.
for services for Indigenous and
• Northern Territory is rolling out
vulnerable children.
15 hours of pre-school per week
• Victoria is using state funding progressively from 2010 to 2013.
to pay for ten hours a week
of kindergarten for eligible
Indigenous three and four year
old children, whose families are
in receipt of a concession card.
26 | CASE STUDY
Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Health Centre Auspice

of Yerin Aboriginal Health Services
Dhanggan Gudjagang Cottage in the Before the Cottage opened, Indigenous

Wyong Shire of New South Wales has women weren’t seeking antenatal care
seen a tripling of its client base of until well after 20 weeks gestation.
pregnant women and new mothers Now they are presenting much earlier in
since it opened its doors in mid-2009. pregnancy at ten to 12 weeks gestation.
All babies born since the Cottage opened
At the Cottage, the paediatric nurse have been full term and of a healthy birth
and the Indigenous mothers and babies weight, and there’s been an increase in
worker organise mothers and babies the attendance of women aged between
groups which cater for parents and their 15-25 years, with the majority of women
babies. Discussions focus on topics and presenting being first time mums.
concerns that parents have raised with
staff including immunisation, dental care, The Australian Government is providing
active play, sleep, Sudden Infant Death $422 685 in 2010-11 in funding under
Syndrome prevention, settling baby, the New Directions Mothers and
nutrition and baby milestones. Babies Services program for child
and maternal health services at the
The Cottage caters for Indigenous mums Dhanggan Gudgeoning Cottage.
and dads and their children from birth to
five years. The service is also available to
non-Indigenous women with Indigenous
partners. All the family is invited along
and many young dads come with their
partners to antenatal care appointments,
to immunise their children and to attend
the mothers and babies groups.
Building Block: A strong accountability framework in 2010. This represented around | 27

Schooling including agreed outcomes, targets 17 per cent of the total number
and performance indicators of young people supported by
A good education gives children has been built into the Action this mainstream program. Youth
the chance to reach their Plan. Annual reporting against Connections helps young people
potential, opens up employment the actions and accountability to stay at school, get back to
opportunities and encourages framework, along with ongoing school or take-up training and
personal responsibility and evaluation built into the Action achieve a Year 12 or equivalent
independence. This is clearly Plan, will allow governments, qualification.
demonstrated by the direct Indigenous communities, schools
relationship between education • More than 5 000 students were
and others to assess progress.
attainment and employment supported in Sporting Chance
– the greater the level of education, Program academies such as the
Key Achievements Clontarf Foundation football
the greater the likelihood of
employment. academies, the Former Origin
• Nationally, over 2 500 schools
Greats Queensland academy
are receiving concentrated
Governments at all levels and other sports-based academies
support to improve students’
are taking action to improve in 2010. More than half the
educational outcomes under
numeracy and literacy levels participants reported improved
the Low Socio-Economic
for Indigenous Australians, academic performance. Positive
Status School Communities
through both mainstream and change in the attitude and
and Literacy and Numeracy
Indigenous specific programs. behaviour of students was
National Partnerships in 2010.
Funding of $4.5 billion is being also reported.
These school communities
provided through the National
have been identified through • The $107.8 million Supporting
Partnership Agreements on
Partnership Agreements with Remote Schools – Additional
Improving Teacher Quality,
State and Territory Governments Teachers for the Northern
on Smarter Schools Low Socio-
which aim to achieve sustained Territory Program is on track
Economic School Communities
improvements in educational to have 200 teachers in remote
and on Literacy and Numeracy.
outcomes and to improve literacy NT classrooms by the end
Following a public consultation and numeracy for students in of the 2012 school year with,
process including over participating schools. 146.5 full time equivalent teachers
100 submissions, Education recruited so far.
• As of November 2010, the
Ministers have endorsed an
Government had invested • It is expected that 40 000 primary
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
$89.8 million under the Building school students and 10 000
Islander Education Action Plan.
the Education Revolution secondary school students will
The Action Plan identifies action
program for school projects be attending around 900 Focus
across six priority areas that
in the 29 communities covered Schools identified for concentrated
evidence suggests will have the
by the Remote Service Delivery assistance under the Aboriginal
greatest impact in improving
National Partnership. The projects and Torres Strait Islander Education
education outcomes for
include the refurbishment of Action Plan. This represents almost
Indigenous students.
outdoor covered areas, construction half of all Indigenous primary
These priority areas are: of new classrooms, multipurpose school students.
readiness for school, engagement community halls, science centres,
and connections, attendance, and a library resource centre.
literacy and numeracy, leadership,
• More than 3 500 Indigenous
quality teaching and workforce
young people, at risk of not
development and pathways to real
attaining a Year 12 or equivalent
post school options.
qualification, received individual
case management support under
the Youth Connections program
28 | Engaging students The Parental and Community Under the Aboriginal and Torres
Engagement Program is a Strait Islander Education Action
Boosting school attendance is
community driven program for Plan, the expansion of intensive
central to the Ready and Willing
parents and carers of Indigenous literacy and numeracy programs
for School program which is part
young Australians. It assists and personalised learning plans
of the Alice Springs Transformation
families and communities will assist Indigenous students
Plan. Health checks and family
to engage in their children’s who are not achieving at the
assessments are being provided to
education through participation level of the rest of their class.
make sure 300 Indigenous children
in educational decision making, As well, professional development
are ready and able to attend school.
developing partnerships with materials and support for teachers
The program, delivered by the
education providers and supporting will help them prepare and
Central Australian Aboriginal
and reinforcing their children’s maintain personal learning plans
Congress and the Northern
learning at home. Since the for every Indigenous student up
Territory Government, works
program started in 2009, nearly to Year 10. A total of 33 literacy
closely with families, children
8 800 parents and caregivers and numeracy projects have been
and schools to make the transition
and a further 5 176 community funded across Australia over
from home to school as smooth
members have been involved in 2009-2012. The projects will also
and positive as possible.
283 diverse initiatives across all contribute to the evidence base
With support from the Australian States and Territories, including of what works so that there is a
Government, the Sporting Chance metropolitan, provincial, remote greater understanding of how
Program uses sport and recreation and very remote areas. to more effectively close the gap.
as a means of reaching out to
10 000 primary and secondary
Improving Literacy and Numeracy Recruiting and training first
school students at risk of not
class teachers
completing their schooling. Over a quarter of all Australian
In 2010 a total of 22 providers schools – 2 580 – are participating The $107.8 million Supporting
delivered 59 projects including in the Low Socio-Economic Remote Schools – Additional
54 school-based sports academies Status School Communities and/ Teachers for the Northern Territory
and five education engagement or the Literacy and Numeracy Program is on track to have
strategies which are expected to National Partnership. All teachers 200 teachers in remote Northern
continue until December 2012. and school leaders are targeted Territory classrooms by the end
under the National Partnership of the 2012 school year. So far,
Eight more Clontarf Foundation
for Improving Teacher Quality. 146.5 full-time equivalent
football academies also started
Through these agreements, each teachers have been recruited and
in 2010 supporting 300 students.
state and territory has identified $14.7 million has been allocated
In 2010 over 5 000 students were
specific reform activities to for the construction of up to
supported through the academies.
support the educational needs 22 additional houses for teachers
With expanded Government
and wellbeing of Indigenous in priority remote communities.
funding, in 2010 the Former Origin
students and will report on
Greats Queensland academy, along
the impact of these reforms
with 10 sports academies, began
in biannual reports.
putting strategies and programs
in place to work with girls.
| 29
Photograph
Lorrie Graham 2009
30 | Indigenous employees in the available each year over 2010- School, Xavier Community
education sector are being given 12. From 2006 to 2009, the Education Centre and Nguiu in the
the opportunity to upgrade program provided scholarships Northern Territory, Doomadgee
their qualifications and develop for 481 secondary and tertiary State School, Mornington Island
career pathways as part of the students, with 125 students State School, and Mossman State
quality teaching and enhancing completing Year 12 and more High School in Queensland and
literacy measures of the Closing than 60 per cent coming from Amata Anangu School and Mimili
the Gap in the Northern Territory very remote and remote areas. Anangu School in South Australia.
National Partnership Agreement.
In 2010, 362 secondary students
The Australian Government has
were supported through a Transitioning to
committed $44.3 million over the
scholarship. This number will post-school education
three years to 2011-12 to Northern
increase to at least 520 in 2011
Territory education providers to The National Partnership on
and around 750 in 2012.
support professional development Youth Attainment and Transitions
and so improve student literacy Tertiary scholarships provide aims to increase the educational
and numeracy. a pathway to university for the engagement and attainment of all
program’s Year 12 graduates. young people and to improve their
In 2010, three scholarships were
Around 120 students will receive transition to post-school education,
awarded for the professional
a tertiary scholarship in 2011, training and employment. This
development of Indigenous
growing to around 180 in 2012. Agreement was established to
Australians working in the higher
achieve a national Year 12 or
education sector as part of the
equivalent attainment rate of
Indigenous Staff Scholarship Trades Training Centres in Schools
90 per cent by 2015 and halve
Program. Funding priority for the $2.5 billion the gap for Indigenous young
The Governor-General’s Indigenous Trade Training Centres in people in Year 12 or equivalent
Student Teacher Scholarship Schools Program is being given attainment by 2020.
program began in 2010 to help to applications from school
The Australian Government’s
Indigenous university students communities with Indigenous
mainstream School Business
obtain teaching degrees and work students and students from
Community Partnership Brokers
as teachers in their communities. regional or other disadvantaged
(Partnership Brokers) program
Scholarships of $25 000 a year communities, including remote
works to increase business
for up to four years are awarded communities. An additional
and community engagement
to one teacher-education student priority is to establish regional
with schools and foster a whole
from each state and territory skills hubs where secondary
of community approach that
but because of the outstanding schools in rural and regional
supports young people’s learning
quality of the applicants, in 2010 locations develop partnerships for
and development. This is being
the selection committee awarded improved trade training delivery.
achieved through a national
twelve scholarships. To date, four separate competitive network of Partnership Brokers that
rounds have been conducted are building partnerships between
Scholarships for resulting in the approval of $1 billion business and industry; education
Indigenous students to fund 288 projects which will and training providers; parents and
benefit 927 schools. Twenty-nine families; and community groups.
Under the Indigenous Youth
schools have been identified in
Leadership Program, scholarships The Australian Government has
remote service delivery locations.
are available for Indigenous introduced comprehensive reforms
To date, 12 of these schools have
students especially those from to remove financial barriers to make
already benefited through funding.
very remote and remote areas. participation in education equitable
They are Wilcannia Central School
At least 300 scholarships of up so that across Australia more
in New South Wales, Angurugu
to three years’ duration will be university students have fairer
School, Gunbalanya School,
access to student income support.
Ngukurr School, Our Lady of the
Sacred Heart Thamarrurr Catholic
School, Wadeye, Umbakumba
Since April 2010, university students in CASE STUDY | 31

receipt of Youth Allowance, Austudy or Walhallow Public
ABSTUDY have been eligible to receive School, NSW
an annual Student Start up Scholarship
At Walhallow Public School
for each year they are studying. At the
at Caroona in country NSW,
end of 2010, over 2 000 Indigenous
the 28 Indigenous students
students had received at least one
are taking big steps forward
payment. In 2011, Start up Scholarships
in reading, writing and maths
will be valued at over $2 000.
and school attendance has
Dependent university students risen from 85 per cent to over
receiving Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY 90 per cent.
who need to move from home to study
Since the beginning of 2010,
may also be eligible for a Relocation
all students have improved
Scholarship. At the end of 2010, over
their reading levels. Teachers
500 Indigenous students had received
and parents say the children
a scholarship. In 2011, the Relocation
are more involved in reading
Scholarship will provide over $4 000
and writing activities and
for the first year of study and over
they’re contributing more
$1 000 for each year following.
in the classroom and the
The Commonwealth Scholarships number of students achieving
Program is increasing higher education stage-appropriate outcomes
participation for Indigenous students. in English and Mathematics
In 2010, 2 235 scholarships were has increased from 70 to 80
made available for Indigenous higher per cent. The school attributes
education students. Of these, 732 this success to individualised
were to assist with the general costs programs provided under
of education, and 536 were to assist the Low Socio-Economic
students from regional and remote Status School Communities
areas with the costs of accommodation. National Partnership.
In addition, 967 Indigenous Access An additional teacher is
Scholarships were made available to on hand to mentor staff on
assist commencing students to access the use of the accelerated
higher education. Funding of over literacy program in the
$8 million was provided to support classroom and the school’s
these new scholarships in 2010. Aboriginal Education Officer
works closely with parents to
support student learning in
the classroom. The parents’
involvement has strengthened
the program and a strong
partnership is developing
between the school, the Parents
and Citizens’ Association,
community members and the
local Aboriginal Education
Consultative Group.
32 |
CASE STUDY
The Clontarf Foundation

Midwest Football Academy
Geraldton Western Australia
In Geraldton, Western Australia, a Among the most successful programs

Sporting Chance Program academy are the Kicking Goals Education Program
operated by the Clontarf Foundation is for Year 11 and 12 Academy members; the
using Australian Football to encourage mentoring program; the junior member
150 Indigenous boys to complete their after school homework activity; and the
schooling and continue into further rewards and camps which encourage
training and employment. The program attendance at school. In partnership
for boys in Year 8 to Year 12 operates with the local Technical and Further
from the Geraldton Senior College Education campus, the Academy also
and John Wilcock College. helps with literacy and numeracy support
for the boys with outstanding results.
The Midwest Football Academy staff are In 2010, 88 per cent of Year 8 to Year
hand-picked through connections within 10 participants improved in literacy and
the community, and each staff member 89 per cent in numeracy. Improvements
is a highly respected role model for the in educational performance were evident
boys. In many cases, these relationships in 97 per cent of the Year 11 and 12
continue after the boys graduate from participants. As well, the attendance
school. One of the current staff members rates were higher among Academy
is a graduate of the program. students. In 2010, 15 Year 12 students
successfully completed school and
achieved their Western Australian
Certificate of Education.
Building Block: ›› An extra 337 new positions have | 33

Health been funded in the Indigenous health
workforce including 126 Indigenous
Improving Indigenous health brings Outreach Workers, 95 Indigenous
benefits extending well beyond the health project officers, 20 regional
health of the individual. It has a flow-on tobacco coordinators, 21 tobacco
effect on families and communities. The action workers, 41 healthy lifestyle
Australian Government has increased workers, 20 practice managers and
its annual Indigenous specific health 14 additional health professionals.
expenditure by 87 per cent since 2007-
08. This includes $805.5 million over four ›› In the 12 months to June 2010,
years through the Indigenous Chronic 3 564 follow-up services were
Disease Package to train the Indigenous provided by Indigenous health
health workforce, tackle chronic disease workers or practice nurses, an
risk factors and to better manage chronic increase of 611 per cent from 2008-09.
conditions, follow-up care and expanding • The Government has provided
the workforce. $4.9 million to Flinders University for
Indigenous health professionals are also a health professional training program
playing an important role. According in self-management of chronic disease
to recent data from the Australian specifically designed for Indigenous
Indigenous Doctors Association and Australians. This will build the capacity
the Australian Institute of Health and of the health workforce to improve
Welfare, there were 153 Indigenous Indigenous Australians’ understanding
doctors working in Australia at the end of the lifestyle factors that contribute
of 2010, an increase from 90 in 2001. In to the development and progression
addition to this, there are currently 161 of chronic diseases.
Indigenous students studying medicine • The Medical Specialist Outreach
across Australia. Assistance Program aims to increase
access to a range of health services,
Key achievements including expanded primary health
care provided to people in rural and
• Under the Indigenous Chronic remote Indigenous communities for
Disease Package: the treatment and management
›› Over four years from 2009-10 of chronic disease. It builds on
the Government is investing existing services and establishes
$100.6 million through the new services with a focus on diabetes,
Tackling Smoking initiative to cardiovascular disease, chronic
reduce Indigenous smoking rates. respiratory disease, chronic renal
This includes rolling out the new disease and cancer.
dedicated Tackling Smoking • A Better Future for Indigenous
workforce which will promote Australians – Establishing Quality
healthy behaviours and reduce Health Standards measure has
lifestyle risks in Indigenous seen 101 out of the 207 eligible
communities. The Government Indigenous health organisations
has also provided $2.6 million achieve accreditation. In addition,
to make anti-smoking services $23.9 million has also been provided
more accessible and appropriate to 176 Indigenous health organisations
for Indigenous Australians. to build best practice and quality
›› More than 41 000 Indigenous patients standards.
living with or at risk of chronic • More than 250 visits to 82 remote
disease have benefited from access Northern Territory communities were
to more affordable Pharmaceutical made in 2010 through the Mobile
Benefits Scheme medicines since Outreach Service Plus program to
July 2010. address child abuse-related trauma
to Indigenous children, families and
34 | their communities. There have Account for the Community Stores specific residential rehabilitation
now been more than 500 visits to Infrastructure Project to build services and day centres,
86 communities since April 2008 and upgrade community stores. Aboriginal Medical Services,
when services first began. The Account receives statutory sobering up shelters, wellbeing
royalties generated from mining centres and transitional after-care
• In the 12 months to November
on Indigenous land in the services. The additional investment
2010, over 4 000 dental services
Northern Territory and are means the Australian Government
were provided to over 3 000
distributed for the benefit of is funding a total of almost
children and over 3 000 ear,
Indigenous Australians living 100 Indigenous treatment and
nose and throat specialist
in the Northern Territory. rehabilitation services in a range
consultations and surgeries were
of locations and settings.
provided to over 1 900 children • The Government has provided
living in prescribed Northern $2.6 million over four years to The Australian Government
Territory Emergency Response establish a national co-ordination has provided $1.5 million to the
communities. unit at the Menzies School of Northern Territory Government
Health Research to tackle Acute for the buy-back of three take-away
• A total of 422 health professionals
Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic liquor licences in Alice Springs.
were placed by the Remote
Heart Disease across Australia.
Area Health Corps in remote
Northern Territory communities, Petrol sniffing
including 52 general practitioners, Alcohol and Other Substance Use
To tackle petrol sniffing, there are
203 registered nurses, 43 allied
To address the disproportionate now 108 sites across regional and
health professionals and
rates of alcohol and other drug remote Australia supplying low
124 dental workers.
use and harm among Indigenous aromatic Opal fuel. An additional
• To improve access to healthy Australians, the Australian $38.5 million over four years will
and more affordable food in Government is providing an enable at least 39 new sites to supply
18 remote Northern Territory additional $49.3 million from the fuel in northern Australia.
communities, funding of 2008-09 to expand and enhance
The Petrol Sniffing Strategy aims
$50 million was allocated treatment and rehabilitation
to reduce the incidence and impact
from the Aboriginal Benefits services across Australia. This
of petrol sniffing and other forms
includes funding for Indigenous-
of volatile substance misuse. Low
aromatic fuel is now supplied in the
tri-state Central Desert Region of
Western Australia, South Australia
and the Northern Territory, the
Eastern Central Desert region of
the Northern Territory, the East
Kimberley region of Western
Australia and Gulf Region in
Queensland. Mornington Island
and Doomadgee in Queensland
are both preparing to supply low
aromatic fuel by mid 2011.
Photograph
Mimili, South Australia,
Lorrie Graham 2009
The supply of low aromatic fuel has | 35

been highly effective in reducing the
incidence. An independent review of the
impact of low aromatic Opal fuel found
a 70 per cent reduction in petrol sniffing
across communities sampled. More
active and visible policing through the
Substance Abuse Intelligence Desks has
also helped to reduce levels of sniffing
and antisocial behaviour along with
youth work programs.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander Healing Foundation
Following the Apology in 2008,
$26.6 million was provided in the
2009–10 Budget to establish an
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Healing Foundation to address the
profound legacy of pain and hurt in
Indigenous people’s lives from past
government policies. The Foundation’s
initial priorities were determined
by Indigenous community healing
representatives throughout Australia
at the first national healing gathering,
Let’s Talk Healing, in June 2010.
The Healing Foundation’s first
funding round of $2 million in
2010 attracted over 100 applications
with 21 community-based projects
being selected.
Stolen Generations Link Up Services

The Australian Government provides
counselling and family tracing and reunion
services to Indigenous Australians
affected by past government removal
policies and practices through the Link
Up program. During 2010, funding to
10 organisations throughout Australia
resulted in assistance being provided to
11 417 clients, of whom 189 were reunited
with their families and communities.
Grief and loss counselling supported by
the Australian Government is available
to members of the Stolen Generations,
their families and communities and is
being offered by more than 120 Bringing
them Home counsellors.
36 |
Photograph
Fitzroy Crossing,
Western Australia,
Lorrie Graham 2009
Building Block: new and improved houses have Key Achievements

Healthy Homes been provided for Indigenous
• Under the Nation Building and
Australians. They are changing
The Australian Government, through Jobs Plan, funding has been
lives – living in a safe, healthy
the National Partnership Agreement provided for the construction
home means families can
on Remote Indigenous Housing, of new social housing dwellings
function properly and take better
is investing an unprecedented and the refurbishment of
responsibility for their wellbeing,
$5.5 billion nationally over ten existing social housing which
including making sure their
years to tackle the housing backlog is benefitting Indigenous
children are healthy, safe, and
across remote Australia and Australians across the country.
getting a good education.
to help reduce overcrowding At the end of 2010, construction
in Indigenous communities. The Australian Government is had started on more than 18 200
also committed to maximising new dwellings and around 6 900
Through this Partnership with the opportunities for Indigenous had been completed and around
state and territory governments, the Australians to own their homes. 4 400 of those homes tenanted.
Australian Government is making a The Australian Government’s This included almost 700 homes
major investment in social housing Home Ownership Program where Indigenous families have
stock across urban, regional and provides affordable housing loans moved in.
remote areas. This investment in to Indigenous Australians who
new and refurbished houses is • To date under the National
otherwise would not be able to
being further supported by the Partnership Agreement on
obtain home loan finance because of
implementation of robust and Remote Indigenous Housing,
limited savings and lower incomes.
standardised property and tenancy more than 480 new houses and
management arrangements and Indigenous home ownership is on 1 750 rebuilds and refurbishments
a program of ongoing repairs and the rise with the home ownership have been completed across
maintenance that will progressively gap between Indigenous the country. Many of these
increase the life cycle of remote Australians and other Australians refurbished houses had
Indigenous housing. closing, particularly in urban previously unusable kitchens
areas. However the gap remains and bathrooms which are
Under the National Partnership significant, with Indigenous now functional.
Agreement, the Nation Building Australians half as likely
and Jobs Plan, the Army • The investment in remote housing
to own their own homes as
Aboriginal Community Assistance is also delivering employment
non-Indigenous Australians.
Program and the Alice Springs outcomes for local Indigenous
Transformation Plan, many people with the Statesand the
Northern Territory on track to
meet their employment targets CASE STUDY | 37

of 20 per cent local Indigenous A New Home for Helen
employment over the life of
the program. In the Northern Residents at Trucking Yards in
Territory, the employment the Alice Springs Town Camps
outcomes are particularly strong are seeing big improvements
with an average of 32 per cent CASE STUDY in housing under the Alice
local Indigenous employment. Springs Transformation Plan,
A new home for Caine
• The Tiwi Islands package in and Helen Kantawara, a long
and Roxanne
Wurrumiyanga (formerly known time Trucking Yards resident,
as Nguiu) now has 27 Indigenous is happy with the work so far.
In July 2010 Caine
housing employees that are Wurramara and Roxanne “This is something we have
undertaking either a Certificate II Lalara moved into the been waiting for, for a long
or III in Construction. first duplex house built time,” said Ms Kantawara.
• Under the Alice Springs in Angurugu, Northern “We absolutely welcome
Transformation Plan by the Territory under the these new houses and the
end of 2010, 18 new houses had National Partnership refurbishment of old houses
been completed, 24 rebuilds Agreement on Remote – because our houses have
and refurbishments were also and Indigenous Housing. been run down for too long.”
complete, with a further eight
Previously, Caine and “All the refurbished houses
underway.
Roxanne had lived in completed have had really
• Under the Home Ownership temporary accommodation, huge improvements and the
Program, 479 new home loans or with family members. families are really happy with
were approved for Indigenous They had never owned the work. The refurbished
people, taking the number of their own home, despite houses are so comfortable
active loans to 3 532. working for many years. and easy to keep clean.”
Caine is employed by East “My daughter has settled into

The Alice Springs
Arnhem Shire Council and her new house with her four
Transformation Plan
is also an interpreter for the children. This is her first real
The Alice Springs Transformation Aboriginal Interpreter Service. home because before that
Plan was established in May Roxanne is employed at my whole family – up to eight
2009 as a joint initiative by the Munkadinamanja members – were living in my
the Australian and Northern Aged & Disability Service two bedroom unit.”
Territory Governments to improve in Angurugu.
conditions and opportunities There are now six new houses
After the handover process under construction, including
for residents of the Alice Springs
and signing a tenancy four, new two-bedroom units.
town camps, homeless Indigenous
agreement, Caine said, “The new units will help stop
Australians in Alice Springs and
“We have never had a house overcrowding,” Ms Kantawara
people visiting Alice Springs
before, it is great”. For the said. “Kids can have a good
from remote communities. The
first time Caine and Roxanne night sleep ready for school.”
initiative is reducing homelessness
have somewhere to put their
through housing and infrastructure
clothes and food.
upgrades, and is also expanding
social support services. “It is much easier to get to work
The town camps were settled when you have a house, and
decades ago on the outskirts I mowed my lawn for the first
of Alice Springs by groups time this week,” Caine said.
of marginalised Indigenous
Australians. To overcome acute
overcrowding and substandard
housing, $100 million has been
allocated for 85 new houses and
upgraded infrastructure in 18
Alice Springs town camps under
38 | CASE STUDY the Strategic Indigenous Housing managed accommodation beds

Mr Peckham of and Infrastructure Program for homeless men have also been
Palmers Camp with 18 new houses already provided through an extension
completed. It is anticipated that to the existing Salvation Army
The Alice Springs all refurbishments, rebuilds and facility on the east side of Alice
Transformation Plan has new house constructions will be Springs. Other funding is going
changed the lives of Palmers completed by the end of 2011. to the Percy Court facility, which
Camp resident Mr Peckham will provide 28 units (49 beds) for
Major infrastructure works will
and his family. On 15 March transitional accommodation as well
start soon at Trucking Yards camp,
2010 refurbishment work began as delivering intensive life skills
including work on new roads, curbs
on the family’s house. A full support for people on the public
and gutters, new power and water
rebuild process was carried housing waitlist.
infrastructure and street lights.
out, which included gutting the Extensive upgrades like this will
entire building, removing and be carried out in larger camps such The Army Aboriginal Community
replacing roofing, replacing as Larapinta Valley, Hidden Valley Assistance Program
windows, replacement of and Ilpeye-Ilpeye. Upgrades will
This program provides on the
plumbing and electrical also occur in the smaller camps.
ground help to Indigenous
wiring and fittings, new air
Recognising the threat to communities including housing,
conditioning and re-painting.
community safety posed by infrastructure, health and
Mr Peckham was delighted the lack of adequate dog control training initiatives through
and excited when he saw measures in the camps, the a partnership between the
the transformation of his Alice Springs Town Council Australian Government’s
family’s house. dog control program has been Department of Families,
extended for a further two years. Housing, Community Services
“This house is totally different. and Indigenous Affairs and
It looks really neat. Now, Funding of $25 million has been
the Australian Army.
I got to make sure the kids allocated to provide additional
start learning to keep it short-term and transitional The program began in 1996 and
clean,” he said. accommodation for vulnerable annually focuses on one remote
people living in or visiting Alice Indigenous community to value
Springs. This includes $11 million of approximately $6 million.
for the construction and two years
The 2010 project in Pukatja, South
of operational costs for the Apmere
Australia included a water bore
Mwerre visitor park. The park,
and pipeline and the re-sheeting
which opened on 2 February 2011,
of a section of road. The project
will help alleviate overcrowding
also incorporated a skills training
in the town camps and provide a
program, certificate level training,
safe place that is drug and alcohol-
a health promotion program and the
free for visitors to stay while
provision of dental health services.
accessing services, visiting family
and friends, or attending to other Over the last two years the Army
business in town. It will cater for Aboriginal Community Assistance
up to 150 people, particularly Program has constructed six
families with children and older new, three bedroom houses, one
people who visit Alice Springs. health clinic and upgraded roads,
sewerage and water reticulation
The refurbishment of The Lodge in
systems. Around 500 people
the Alice Springs central business
have received dental education
district has been completed,
and more than 200 people have
providing 35 new beds to increase
received dental examinations.
accommodation for renal patients
and people receiving other
medical treatment. Eight additional
| 39
Building Block: In response to the Growing Them

Safe Communities Strong, Together Report in the Northern Photograph
Beagle Bay, Western Australia,
Territory, the Australian Government
Lorrie Graham 2009
For every Australian, being able to announced a commitment of more than
live in safety and security in their $34 million to help protect children from
community is essential for their health neglect and abuse. This funding will
and wellbeing. For too many Indigenous support the development of new family
Australians, communities are not the support services for vulnerable families,
safe places they should be. as well as increase the number of child
To work towards ensuring communities protection workers, and help strengthen
are safer and children are protected, alcohol controls in the Northern Territory.
the Australian and State and Territory As part of the Australian Government’s
Governments have established the roll out of non-discriminatory income
National Framework for Protecting management across the Northern
Australia’s Children to support Territory, child protection income
development of new family support management was introduced in 2010.
services for vulnerable families. This This means Territory Government
includes practical measures such child protection workers can now refer
as improved information sharing parents to Centrelink for compulsory
between Centrelink, Medicare and income management when children are
child protection authorities, as well as being neglected or are at risk of neglect.
national standards to ensure the safety,
health and welfare of children who can The Child Protection Measure of
no longer live safely with their families. Income Management in the whole of
metropolitan Perth and Kimberley
regions in Western Australia have been
40 | CASE STUDY in operation since November

Anangu Pitjantjatjara 2008. The independent evaluation
Yankunytjatjara (APY) of income management in
Lands – Policing Western Australia found that
people participating in the Child
Protection and Voluntary Income
Law and order is improving and The program teaches road safety
Management trials have equally
people are starting to feel safer and bike maintenance.
reported positive outcomes for
in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara
The Mimili police are also themselves, their children and
Yankunytjatjara Lands with
working with the community to their families.
the establishment of three
permanent police stations. run information campaigns on The Australian Government is
Following recommendations how to get a driver’s licence, the working with the state and territory
from the Mullighan Inquiry, importance of wearing seatbelts governments to strengthen
the Australian Government has and travelling safely with babies policing and improve the safety
provided $22.5 million to build in vehicles. of Indigenous communities. In the
a new police station in Mimili Northern Territory, Community
At Pukatija Police Station a
and upgrade police stations Engagement Police Officers and
Police Aboriginal Liaison Officer
at Amata and Pukatja, and Substance Abuse Intelligence
has been employed to provide
also provide housing for police Desks target and disrupt the
specialist cultural knowledge
and child protection workers. trafficking of illicit substances in
and bi-lingual skills to assist the
Central Australia. They also work to
The Mimili, Amata and Pukatja three community constables.
deliver the National Petrol Sniffing
stations, which began operating The police are working with the
Strategy and general policing.
in December 2009, January and community to conduct truancy
March 2010 respectively, are patrols in partnerships with To keep children and families
each staffed by one sergeant the local school and they coach safe, the Australian Government
and three police officers, giving and participate in the Ernabella manages and funds the Indigenous
the communities a permanent and Wintjalangu football teams. Family Safety Program, is progressing
police presence for the first time. They volunteer as members the National Child Protection
The new police stations have of the new Ernabella CFS Brigade Framework, and is finalising National
provided police with resources and conduct school-based Plan to Reduce Violence Against
to engage with residents and programs such as film nights Women and Children.
have started to see positive and sporting events.
The Government is also working
changes in the communities, closely with communities on
There is a feeling among
including reduced crime. the development of community
community members in Amata
that they feel safer with the new safety plans as part of the Remote
In Mimili, police are working
police station. Women especially Service Delivery National
with families to strengthen
feel a lot safer in the community Partnership. These plans reflect
relationships between parents
and there is a general feeling in safety priorities identified by the
and children and are also
the community that there is less community and each community’s
working as mediators to allow
fighting and violence because preferred solutions.
community members to
peacefully resolve issues before of the new police station and Youth diversion services are being
they escalate. To support the having police living and working funded across 36 community
police in establishing a bike permanently in the community. locations in the Northern Territory.
program, the South Australian These services support young
Government donated 45 bikes Indigenous Australians at risk of
and the Australian Government drug use, alcohol or other forms
has provided $6 000 for new of substance misuse, suicide or
bikes, helmets and accessories. intentional self harm, and entering
or re-entering the criminal
justice system. The high levels
of involvement of Indigenous
juveniles and young adults in
the criminal justice system are
currently being considered by
Photograph
Wadeye, Northern Territory,
Lorrie Graham 2009
the House of Representatives Standing • In partnership with the Northern

Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Territory Government, the Australian
Strait Islander Affairs, which is likely Government is providing $1.5 million
to make its recommendations in the to expand identity card technology
first half of 2011. to help enforce alcohol restrictions
across the Northern Territory.
Key Achievements • The Australian Government has
provided $1.5 million to the Northern
• To protect children from abuse and
Territory Government for the buy-back
neglect, the Australian and State
of three take-away liquor licences in
and Territory Governments have
Alice Springs.
established the National Framework
for Protecting Australia’s Children • The Indigenous Family Safety program
2009–20. The National Standards in 2010-11 provided over $12.5 million
for Out of Home Care, which apply to to non-government organisations and
formal care arrangements including state and territory governments to
residential care, foster care and kinship deliver 42 Indigenous family safety
care, are a key component of the programs in remote, regional and
Framework and will ensure children in urban locations across Australia.
need of out of home care are These projects include safe houses,
given consistent, best-practice care, counselling, prevention and early
no matter where they live. intervention programs, education and
behaviour change programs.
42 |
• Under the Northern Territory • Currently, 17 Remote Aboriginal Youth Diversion Activities | 43
Emergency Response, there Family Community Workers are
Under the Youth in Communities
are now 22 safe places in 17 employed in 13 Northern Territory
program which has funding of
communities across the Northern communities as a part of the
$28.4 million over three years from
Territory. Safe places provided Northern Territory Emergency
2009-12, young Indigenous people
shelter for 491 women, 399 children Response. These workers provide
are being involved in diversionary
and 40 men between January 2009 a culturally appropriate liaison
activities such as discos, movie
and November 2010. and linkage point between the
nights, sporting programs and
child-protection system, support
• An investment of $3.4 million youth leadership programs. This
services, Indigenous families and
is being made over two years to funding will deliver improvements
communities. The workers help
support Community Engagement to youth services infrastructure,
link families with local family
Police and Officers in eight remote such as at Angurugu where almost
safety or safe house programs,
communities with high levels of $445 000 was provided for the
night patrols, mental health
crime and violence upgrading of sport and recreation
workers and child health workers.
outside activity area including
• Three permanent police stations,
• There are currently six child fencing, shade, new computers
as well as additional housing for
protection workers employed and air-conditioning.
extra police and child protection
as part of the Mobile Child
workers have been established A total of 21 projects have been
Protection Team in the Northern
at Mimili, Amata and Pukatja funded to provide youth worker
Territory. Between July 2008
in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara services, youth diversion activities
and November 2010, the team
Yankunytjatjara Lands in South and infrastructure projects across
investigated 2 455 cases in over 55
Australia with $22.5 million in 36 community locations in the
remote and regional communities.
Australian Government funding. Northern Territory.
Local police say this has led to • As part of the Indigenous
The Youth in Communities program
increased law and order in these Family Safety Program, more
is already making a difference
communities. than $12.5 million was provided
to the lives of Indigenous young
in 2010-11 to non-government
• Sixty-six Australian Federal people. For example, the majority
organisations and State and
Police officers, including sworn of the 12 to 17 year old young people
Territory Governments to deliver
officers, have been deployed to regularly attending the Young Men’s
42 Indigenous family safety
the Northern Territory since Christian Association Katherine’s
programs in remote, regional
June 2007. alternative education program
and urban locations across
‘PROUD’ – Participation, Respect,
• Forty-five additional Northern Australia. These projects include:
Opportunity, Understanding and
Territory Police recruits have safe houses, counselling,
Determination – have successfully
completed training and graduated prevention and early intervention
re-integrated back into the
since 2009. These recruits programs, education and
education system as a result of
have commenced their duties behaviour change programs.
their participation in this program.
within the Northern Territory
Police Force at Alpurrurulam, The Youth in Communities
Gapuwiak, Minjilang, Minyerri, program provides for the
Numbulwar, Ramingining, Santa employment of approximately
Theresa, Warruwi, Arlparra, 30 full time youth workers and
Bulman, Finke, Pepperminati,
Yarralin, Ali Curung, Gumbalanya,
Maningrida and Yuendumu.
A further 15 recruits are expected
to graduate in April 2011.
44 | for a similar number of Indigenous Between 2005 and 2012, the Australian
trainees, with professional development Government has provided $12.6 million
and mentoring support provided for in funding to support the Dog Operation
all the program’s workers. Indigenous Units located in Alice Springs, Katherine
trainees are being supported to attain and Darwin in the Northern Territory.
Certificate III level training and, on Since January 2010, the units have
24 February 2011, Roper Gulf Shire will been involved in searches which have
have ten Indigenous trainees graduating seen the seizure of illegal drugs such
from their Certificate III in Community as amphetamines and cannabis. These
Services. searches were prompted by information
provided by the Substance Abuse
Intelligence Desks.
Policing and intelligence
Established in mid-2006, the National
In addition to providing 66 Australian
Indigenous Intelligence Task Force is
Federal police officers, the Australian
led by the Australian Crime Commission
Government will provide $50 million
and involves the Commonwealth and
for five permanent police complexes
State and Territory law enforcement
consisting of police stations, police
agencies. Together they are working
housing, custodial and justice facilities.
to develop processes for sharing and
The first of the five new remote
using criminal intelligence so that police
Northern Territory permanent police
forces and community service providers
stations is expected to open in March
can continue to address Indigenous
2011 in Yarralin. Progress is underway
violence and child abuse. Task force
for new stations in Ramingining and
intelligence has uncovered two systemic
Gapuwiyak and suitable sites are being
issues that contribute to criminality
identified at Imanpa and Arlparra.
within remote Indigenous communities:
The first Substance Abuse Intelligence poor information sharing and reporting
Desk was set up in 2006 to support the on violence and child abuse; and abuse
National Petrol Sniffing Strategy and to of power that facilitates violence, child
target drug and alcohol trafficking in abuse and other crime.
Central Australia. These units gather
information and coordinate policing
operations which, among other things,
target traffickers of drugs, alcohol and
illicit substances.
Building Block: committed to recruit over 8 300 | 45

Economic Participation Indigenous Australians and have
already placed an estimated 5 300.
The Australian Government wants In addition, close to $800 million in
Indigenous Australians to have every supply contracts have been awarded
opportunity to contribute to and be to Indigenous businesses.
part of the Australian economy and
with this, achieve greater economic • As at 31 December 2010, the Australian
independence and security for Indigenous Minority Supplier Council
themselves, their families and their had generated $4.4 million in contracts
communities. Each sector of the and $2.9 million in transactions between
community has a role in helping close its members and certified suppliers.
the gap in economic participation and Since commencing the Council has
a growing number of corporations are certified 67 Indigenous suppliers,
realising the benefits of employing 72 per cent of whose workforce is
Indigenous Australians. Indigenous and attracted 54 members.
The Government is helping Indigenous • The Australian Government contributed

Australians transition from welfare to $6 million for the first two settlements
properly paid jobs so they benefit from under the Traditional Owner Settlement
participating in the national economy. Act 2010 (Victoria) to support sustainable
Job Services Australia is the largest economic development and the
employment program for Indigenous innovative Victorian approach to
Australians, providing services to over native title settlements. The first
95 000 Indigenous people. of those settlements was made on
22 October 2010.
Recent reforms to the Community
Development Employment Projects are • The Australian Government’s
helping Indigenous job seekers gain Indigenous Communication’s Program
the skills, training and capabilities they has provided $30 million to deliver
need to find sustainable employment 91 fixed satellite community phones
at the same time strengthening the and 52 mobile satellite handsets
economic and social wellbeing of between August 2009 and January
their communities. The Indigenous 2011 with more than 66 000 calls made.
Employment Program is also assisting Internet access has also been provided
Indigenous Australians by providing in 37 remote Indigenous communities
employment and training placements. across Queensland, New South Wales,
South Australia, Western Australia and
the Northern Territory, since July 2009.
Key Achievements
• Indigenous Business Australia’s
• During the 2010 calendar year, the Business Development and Assistance
Indigenous Employment Program Program and Equity and Investment
resulted in over 16 000 Indigenous Program created and supported over
Australians starting employment, 1 000 jobs, of which over 250 were
around 12 500 Indigenous Australians filled by Indigenous Australians.
started training and more than
700 Indigenous Employment • In 2010-11, $10.7 million is being
Program projects were established. provided to Indigenous art centres and
allied industry organisations across
• Over the last 12 months, the the country to support the Indigenous
Community Development Employment visual arts industry. The Government
Projects program has assisted 1 993 has also supported the introduction
Indigenous people into employment; of an Indigenous Australian Art
• Over 200 Reconciliation Action Plans Commercial Code of Conduct that
are supporting training, employment sets the standard for ethical and
and other actions benefitting transparent commercial dealings
Indigenous Australians. Through with Indigenous artists.
these plans, organisations have
46 | Indigenous Economic Transitioning from Welfare

Development Strategy to Employment
The Indigenous Economic Job Services Australia is the
Development Strategy will set the largest employment program for
future direction of Government Indigenous Australians and is
policy. There has been an extensive providing services to over 95 000
process of public consultation Indigenous people. Indigenous job
and a final strategy is expected seekers are able to access specialist
to be released in mid 2011. services from over 181 sites and a
total of 18 Indigenous organisations
Between 2010-2018, the
have been contracted to provide
Government is supporting the
Jobs Services Australia services.
establishment of a Business
Advisory Group to provide expert The Indigenous Employment
advice on policies needed to Program supports a broad range of
support growth in the Indigenous activities. This includes Indigenous
business sector. The Government apprenticeships and traineeships,
is also supporting Indigenous transitioning students from school
business chambers to increase their to employment or further
membership and enhance corporate education, mentoring participants
partnerships. These chambers through training into employment;
play a key role in matching their and work readiness training.
Indigenous Australian business
The Australian Government
members with the growing
is committed to creating up to
demand for products and services
2 000 real and sustainable jobs
in their region.
in areas of Government service
The Indigenous Opportunities delivery that have previously
Policy strengthens the Government’s relied on subsidisation through
procurement policies to maximise Community Development
Indigenous employment and Employment Projects. Employees
business opportunities, and will benefit from mainstream
be fully operational from 1 July employment conditions and
2011. It will be applied to contracts skills development opportunities.
over $5 million, with tenderers for The types of jobs being funded
Australian Government contracts through Australian Government
required to implement plans to agencies include municipal
provide training and employment services workers, night patrol
for local Indigenous Australians workers, community care positions,
and to use Indigenous businesses. education support and child care
workers, rangers, and management
The Government has provided
and pastoral workers, sport and
$3 million over three years to
recreation positions and arts,
support the Australian Indigenous
culture and broadcasting positions.
Minority Supplier Council, which
provides an opportunity for The Working on Country Indigenous
certified majority owned, controlled land and sea ranger program also
and managed Indigenous helps people move from support
businesses to contract directly through Community Development
with corporate and government Employment Projects into full-time
buyers of goods and services. sustainable employment. There
In the first year of operation, are currently over 630 Indigenous
the Council has achieved over rangers employed nationally under
$4 million in contracts between this project.
members and certified suppliers.
Through the Tailored Assistance nearly 200 Australian companies The Australian Government is | 47
element of the Indigenous to employ over 26 000 Indigenous contributing $6 million in funding
Employment Program, about Australian job seekers with for the first two innovative
460 projects have focussed on work continuing to convert these native title settlements under
providing assistance to employers commitments into sustainable the Traditional Owner Settlement
to employ and retain Indigenous job outcomes. Act 2010 (Victoria). The first of
Australians. This assistance those settlements was made
may include aspiration building, with the Gurnaikurnai people on
Land and Native Title
training, employer support and 22 October 2010. This settlement
workforce development. Another way to participate in is important in not only securing
the economy is through the and recognising traditional rights
The Australian Employment
ownership of land. Accessing land but also in providing for native title
Covenant was launched in October
and native title, and the benefits to be lead to enduring social and
2008 as a private sector-led,
that flow from that are aspirations economic opportunities for the
multi-industry initiative with
for all Indigenous communities. Gurnaikurnai people.
an ambitious target of securing
50 000 jobs for Indigenous The passage of legislation
supporting reforms to resolve
Australians. The Australian amending the Native Title Act 1993
native title claims more effectively
Government committed support means that it is now easier for
and efficiently, and to optimise
to the Covenant, including public housing and infrastructure
outcomes for native title groups
$4 million in startup funding. to be built on land where native title
from agreement-making.
To date, the Covenant has may exist. This new process strikes
received commitments from the right balance between the
CASE STUDY
Linfox Australia Pty Ltd
Linfox’s Indigenous Employment Manager of the Indigenous Employment from entry-level positions through to
Program focuses on providing Program is there to provide support more senior management positions
the opportunity, framework, and to assist employees through the first over time. Most days involve speaking
support to create career paths for few days and weeks of training and with candidates and ensuring that they
500 Indigenous Australians. employment. are suitable for Linfox and that a career
Since the Program commenced, at Linfox is suitable for them, arranging
102 Indigenous employees joined With the assistance of the Australian pre-employment assessment, training,
Linfox, and more importantly over Government’s Indigenous Employment and induction.
90 per cent have been retained. Program, Linfox offers a three week
paid warehouse operators course with a Linfox’s program provides an excellent
The Program has the strong support of guaranteed placement upon graduation. model to provide employment
Linfox founders, Lindsay and Paula Fox, To date, 40 trainees have graduated opportunities for Indigenous Australian
Mr Peter Fox (Chairman), Mr Michael from training and Indigenous employees job seekers, within Linfox and in the wider
Byrne (Chief Executive Officer) and all now hold positions in administration, corporate community.
senior management and site managers. warehouse and driver roles.
Once an Indigenous Australian accepts a
position, Samantha Baring, the National Linfox holds introductory sessions to
fully inform Indigenous Australians
about career opportunities at Linfox –
48 | urgent provision of these critical will become available within Australia. Access to the internet is
services and the protection of the framework of a formal joint integral to improving Indigenous
native title rights. If requested management arrangement for outcomes through the Indigenous
by registered native title holders the park between Indigenous Communications Program, the
or claimants, Statesare required traditional owners and the Australian Government provides
to hold consultations about Northern Territory Government. funding for public internet access
proposed developments facilities and basic training in
and submit reports to the computer and internet use in
Communications
Commonwealth Attorney-General selected remote Indigenous
on each consultation process. The Indigenous Communications communities.
This will help promote transparency program is providing $30 million
This element of the program is
and good faith discussions. to assist remote Indigenous
delivered in collaboration with
communities to take advantage of
The handover of deeds of grant participating state and territory
the economic, educational, social
in relation to Gregory National governments through the Remote
and cultural opportunities offered
Park in June 2010 represented the Indigenous Public Internet Access
by the digital economy. Effective
largest grant of Indigenous land National Partnership Agreement.
communication services are a
under the Aboriginal Land Rights Since its commencement in July
fundamental enabling factor for
(Northern Territory) Act 1976 in 2009, internet access facilities
economic development.
almost 20 years. The handover have been installed in 37 remote
involved an area of 1 285 200 Between August 2009 and January Indigenous communities across
hectares and effectively disposed 2011, 91 fixed satellite community Queensland, New South Wales,
of three longstanding land claims. phones and 52 mobile satellite South Australia, Western Australia
Significant Indigenous enterprise handsets have been installed and the Northern Territory. Many
and employment opportunities and maintained in communities of these communities previously
across the north of Western had no public internet access
Australia, the Northern Territory, facilities.
Cape York Peninsula and South
Photograph
Lorrie Graham 2009
| 49
Photograph
Lorrie Graham 2009
50 | This is a vital service for Through these plans, organisations • Since late 2009 Woodside has
communities with early reports have committed to recruit over had a 62 per cent increase in
indicating that internet banking, 8 300 Indigenous Australians and Indigenous employment and a
social networking, online shopping have placed an estimated 5 300. 54 per cent increase in Indigenous
and access to online government In addition, close to $800 million participation in training, and
services are now indispensable in supply contracts have been are on schedule for meeting
to community residents. It is awarded to Indigenous businesses. the aspiration to triple their
anticipated that access to these and Indigenous workforce by 2012.
Some examples of Reconciliation
other online services, particularly
Action Plans include:
in the areas of education and
Indigenous Land Corporation
health, will provide significant • The Blacktown City Council
benefits to up to 120 remote governs the largest urban The Indigenous Land Corporation
Indigenous communities that Indigenous Australian plays a crucial role in Indigenous
will receive internet access population in New South Wales. economic participation through
facilities over the four year life Reconciliation commitments assisting the acquisition and
of this program. include the development management of Indigenous-held
of protocols and consulting land, to establish enterprises, build
with appropriate Indigenous capacity, bring land into production
Working Together
organisations to protect heritage, and create sustainable Indigenous
Reconciliation Australia was culture and special places. employment. Highlights include
established to provide national the acquisition of Ayers Rock Resort
• The Westpac Group operates
focus and leadership in working at Yulara in the Northern Territory
the Indigenous Capital
towards reconciliation and to which will provide 340 Indigenous
Assistance Scheme to support
sustain the reconciliation process. jobs by end 2018, the construction
small businesses owned and/
The Australian Government of Mossman Gorge Tourism Centre
or operated by Indigenous
provided funding for Reconciliation in Queensland with 70 jobs by
Australians.
Australia of $10.8 million over mid-2012 and the establishment
three years from 1 July 2010, • Telstra aims to offer ongoing of the Gunbalanya Pastoral
to continue this important work employment to at least 85 per cent and Meat Supplies with 28 new
with Reconciliation Australia of its Indigenous trainees. Indigenous jobs currently in place.
having made significant progress
• Businesses and community
in engaging the private sector
organisations play an important Indigenous Business Australia
in closing the gap.
role by providing training and
Indigenous Business Australia’s
Over the past year, Reconciliation recruitment for Indigenous people
Business Development and
Australia has made significant to strengthen their employment
Assistance Program assists eligible
progress in engaging new options. A 2010 survey conducted
Indigenous entrepreneurs with
sectors, particularly leisure and by the Business Council of
small business loans, and expert
tourism, retail, engineering and Australia shows more businesses
business guidance. At the end
construction, legal services and are increasing Indigenous
of financial year 2009-2010, the
the media, in the development employment:
business loan portfolio comprises
of Reconciliation Action Plan.
• BHP Billiton has ten contracts 309 loans valued at $58.7 million.
Reconciliation Australia work
with Indigenous businesses These two programs combined
with organisations and businesses
worth over $350 million, and created and supported over 1 000
to develop Plans that include
employs 255 Indigenous workers jobs, of which over 250 were filled
actions to support training,
through its Western Australian by Indigenous Australians.
employment and reconciliation
Iron Ore subsidiary. Another
activities with the organisation.
465 Indigenous Australians are
Over 200 Plans are currently
currently employed by contractors.
in operation with another
200 under development. • The Inter Continental Hotels
Group commitments include a two
per cent Indigenous Australian
workforce, and increased use of
Indigenous suppliers.
CASE STUDY | 51
National Centre of Indigenous Excellence
Eric Lesa is one of more than 47 Indigenous Indigenous participation has averaged
people employed at the Centre built by the 70 per cent across all YMCA programs
Indigenous Land Corporation on the former offered, including fitness and gymnasium
Redfern Public School site in Sydney. The memberships, school camps and sports
Centre aims to change the lives of young programs.
Indigenous people through sport, learning
and innovation, culture and arts, and health Through the centre, organisations deliver
and wellbeing. the following programs:
Eric left school and spent the next ten years • The Australian Indigenous Mentoring
of his life moving from job to job. He worked Experience – over 750 volunteer university
on demolition sites and as a toll collector, students work as mentors with more than
but also spent periods unemployed. 500 Indigenous high school students in
43 schools.
When the National Centre of Indigenous
Excellence opened in Redfern in February • The Exodus Foundation Literacy Tutorial
2010, Eric jumped at the chance to work in Centre – provides 23 places for primary
sport and recreation and has never looked school students, with an average reading
back. He is now the Young Men’s Christian accuracy three years behind their
Association Fitness Team Leader at the chronological age, and nine places for
Eora Sports, Art and Recreation Centre junior primary school students.
complex. Eric said. “I have learnt so much
• After 19 weeks tuition in 2010, the
about looking after customers, drawing up
Centre’s students made substantial gains
rosters, running a gym and working with staff
(on average 13 months) in reading accuracy,
and I am a lot more confident now. Working
comprehension and words read per minute
at the Centre has helped me become
were achieved.
financially independent. I have new goals
in life and would now like to go on and get The Australian Government, through the
more management qualifications,” Eric said. Indigenous Land Corporation, provided
$50 million for the purchase of the site
The Centre also has a 120-bed residential
and design and construction of the Centre.
facility to cater for Indigenous students
In 2009-10, the Australian Government
visiting from regional and remote Australia,
provided $195 000 to support various
tutorial rooms, an indoor gymnasium,
programs provided by the YMCA.
swimming pool, playing fields, training
and performance studios and office space
for several Indigenous organisations.
The Centre has already been a resounding

success with the target of more than
5 000 Indigenous young people attending
activities exceeded in the first seven months.
52 | Building Block: Key Achievements

Governance And Leadership • Since July 2010 more than
Improving governance and leadership 400 Indigenous Australians have
is not just a result of government participated in the Indigenous
action but requires strong engagement Leadership Program to strengthen
and commitment from Indigenous leadership skills.
communities and individuals. • During 2010 around 703 people
At the national level the Government received corporate governance
is supporting the National Congress training provided by the Office of the
of Australia’s First Peoples to give Registrar of Indigenous Corporations.
Indigenous Australians a strong voice • To preserve Indigenous language,
and input into policy development. On $9.4 million was allocated to support
the ground in Indigenous communities, 63 community based language
targeted leadership programs are maintenance and revival projects, with
encouraging Indigenous Australians to six applicants granted triennial funding.
develop and drive their own solutions.
• Work has continued in Remote Service
To strengthen community governance Delivery locations working with
the Australian Government is investing community leaders on leadership and
$45.1 million over six years from 2008‑09 governance through workshops in
to June 2013 under the Remote Service locations such as Amata, Mimili and
Delivery National Partnership Hermannsburg. The work with other
Agreement. The funding will be Remote Service Delivery communities
directed to various community capacity will continue into 2011.
building and leadership initiatives
such as engagement workshops,
Strengthening Indigenous
leadership development workshops
leadership and governance
and community development training.
Around 900 Indigenous Australians
The Office of the Registrar of Indigenous
are expected to participate in the
Corporations is continuing to support
Indigenous Leadership Program
Indigenous corporations with
between July 2010 and June 2011,
significant improvements in their
with at least 400 having participated
compliance with the legislation,
to date. Since July 2010, more than
increasing from 46 per cent in 2004-05
210 participants have also completed
to 92 per cent in 2008-09.
targeted leadership workshops in
regions throughout Australia.
As well, the Indigenous Leadership
Program has supported over 112
participants through workshops
to develop leadership skills in
community governance.
In 2010, 92 Indigenous Australians
from Remote Service Delivery
communities participated in leadership
and community governance workshops
held in six communities. Participants of
the program report that this leadership
experience is making a real and lasting
difference in their lives and the lives of
their families.
Building Indigenous corporate that these corporations add to The Remote Service Delivery | 53
governance the Australian economy. In total Flexible Funding Pool
these corporations generated
The Office of the Registrar of Under the National Partnership
approximately $1.2 billion in
Indigenous Corporations is an Agreement on Remote Service
income, held $1.2 billion in assets,
independent statutory office Delivery, the Australian and
employed over 9 150 people and
holder who administers the relevant state and Northern
provided a wide range of services
Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Territory governments are
to their communities including
Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act). changing the way they work with
health, housing, land management,
The Registrar’s Office support and Indigenous Australians in priority
and employment and training.
regulates corporations by advising communities to improve access to
them on how to incorporate, Government services, raise service
by training directors, members Promoting strong Indigenous standards, improve governance
and key staff in good corporate cultures, heritage and languages and leadership, increase economic
governance, and by making sure and social participation and
In 2009, the Australian
they comply with the law. promote personal responsibility
Government announced its
and positive behaviours.
During 2010 the Registrar National Indigenous Languages
provided corporate governance Policy. The Policy confirmed the Since 1 July 2010 over $1.5 million
training to around 703 people Government’s commitment to has been committed through the
from Indigenous corporations keeping Aboriginal and Torres Remote Service Delivery Flexible
across Australia and conducted Strait Islander languages alive and Funding Pool to a wide variety
a total of 77 examinations which helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait of projects identified in Local
check for operational, procedural Islander Australians connect with Implementation Plans. These
or corporate governance their language and culture. In projects include sporting and
problems within corporations. 2010-11, $9.4 million was allocated to recreation equipment and facilities,
The information gathered is the support over 60 community based upgrading community facilities,
basis for continuing work with language maintenance and revival promoting safer communities,
Indigenous corporations to build projects, incorporating around 200 arts and community activities,
their corporate governance to a languages across Australia. support for children and families,
high standard. and infrastructure upgrades
In 2010-11, the Australian
and repairs.
Currently there are more than Government is providing
2 250 Indigenous corporations $10.7 million to support
registered under the CATSI Indigenous art centres and
Act. The active engagement allied industry organisations
of these corporations by the across the country in recognition
Registrar has seen a significant of their major contribution
improvement in their compliance to Indigenous employment,
with the legislation, increasing education, and cultural and
from 46 per cent in 2004-05 social wellbeing, particularly
to 92 per cent in 2008-09. The in remote communities.
Registrar also provides a wide
Government funding of $7.2 million
range of services including
also supports a range of traditional
mediation and dispute resolution
and contemporary Indigenous
services, access to pro-bono
cultural events, visual and
legal assistance and recruitment
performing arts, including music
assistance.
and dance to showcase Indigenous
During 2008-09 the 500 highest cultures and encourage young
earning Indigenous corporations Indigenous Australians to stay
demonstrated the significant value connected to their cultures.
54 | CASE STUDY
Amata and Mimili Local

Implementation Plans
In developing the Local Implementation Plans The Local Implementation Plans were formally
in the two Remote Service Delivery priority agreed during signing ceremonies on 30 June
communities of Amata and Mimili, the 2010 in Amata and 1 July 2010 in Mimili, and
Australian and South Australian Governments provide the basis for government action in the
recognised the importance of a comprehensive communities through to mid-2014.
community engagement process.
Agencies are now working with the
This process was undertaken by the communities on a case by case basis to
Government Business Managers and Anangu progress their commitments, as outlined
Engagement Officers in each community, staff in the Local Implementation Plans.
from the Adelaide Regional Operations Centre
and consultants via meetings with individual The Adelaide Regional Operations Centre
community members, community groups, is also working in partnership with Amata
agencies and relevant stakeholders. and Mimili communities to identify projects
for funding through the Indigenous Remote
Through the development of communication Service Delivery Special Account. These
material in both English and Pitjantjatjara, projects will address community priorities
developed with the local Anangu Engagement as identified in the Local Implementation
Officers, government worked closely with Plans and will be planned and implemented
communities to progress the development with community input.
of these plans and identify shared priorities.
Two of the most active stakeholders in the

development of the Local Implementation
Plans were the Community Councils in each of
the communities. The Local Implementation
Plans are a regular agenda item at Community
Council meetings, providing council members
with the opportunity to discuss the progress of
implementation and identify solutions to assist
in resolving any implementation barriers.
FAHCSIA11346
Front cover photography
(Top) Ntaria, Northern Territory. Lorrie Graham 2009.
(Bottom) Halls Creek, Western Australia. Lorrie Graham 2009.
Back cover photograph

Milingimbi, Northern Territory. Lorrie Graham 2009.

2011 Closing The Gap

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Closing the Gap

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© Commonwealth ofAustralia 2011

This work is copyright. Apart from any

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Please be aware that this report may

Part A: Progress against the targets 9

Part B: Strengthening the relationship between 19

Part C: The building blocks 23

received total funding of $5.2 million with a particular focus on remote

4 | Health Building Block and antisocial behaviour. Youth

• More than 41 000 Indigenous • The Australian Government

to guide future investment

Working with Indigenous

The closing the gap targets are all

10 | Indigenous population to 721 000 by 2021 – an increase of

FIGURE 1: Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Age Profiles – 2006

The Indigenous population | 11

12 | The targets Australians over this period. However,

Life expectancy is a widely used Further, non-Indigenous life expectancy

FIGURE 2: The life expectancy gap, 2005-07

Target: Halving the gap in mortality intensive care, the development of | 13

50 Year 3 Year 5 Year 7 Year 9

50 Year 3 Year 5 Year 7 Year 9

50 Year 3 Year 5 Year 7 Year 9

FIGURE 5: Year 12 or equivalent attainment for Indigenous 20-24 year olds,

0 2006 Census 2020 Target

Source: unpublished DEEWR analysis

Source: ABS, Population Census, 2006 (unpublished data)

20 | Repatriation of Indigenous Localised Planning The Groote Eylandt Regional

The building blocks

The Australian Government Building Block: measures such as improved

24 | Key achievements • Around 1 800 Indigenous parents • The Australian Government

In addition, the $293 million • Queensland is providing The Indigenous Mothers | 25

Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Health Centre Auspice

Dhanggan Gudjagang Cottage in the Before the Cottage opened, Indigenous

Building Block: A strong accountability framework in 2010. This represented around | 27

Since April 2010, university students in CASE STUDY | 31

The Clontarf Foundation

In Geraldton, Western Australia, a Among the most successful programs

Building Block: ›› An extra 337 new positions have | 33

The supply of low aromatic fuel has | 35

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Stolen Generations Link Up Services

Building Block: new and improved houses have Key Achievements

meet their employment targets CASE STUDY | 37

Caine is employed by East “My daughter has settled into

38 | CASE STUDY the Strategic Indigenous Housing managed accommodation beds

Building Block: In response to the Growing Them

40 | CASE STUDY in operation since November

the House of Representatives Standing • In partnership with the Northern

Building Block: committed to recruit over 8 300 | 45

The Government is helping Indigenous • The Australian Government contributed

46 | Indigenous Economic Transitioning from Welfare

Linfox Australia Pty Ltd

The Centre has already been a resounding

52 | Building Block: Key Achievements

Amata and Mimili Local

Two of the most active stakeholders in the

Back cover photograph

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© Commonwealth ofAustralia 2011