Closing the Gap under pressure as targets slide

Opposition Indigenous affairs spokeswoman Senator Kerrynne Liddle has urged reforms to the Closing the Gap framework, warning that only four of 19 targets remain on track amid worsening outcomes in health, justice and education.

Senator Liddle told parliament that incarceration, youth detention and suicide rates among Indigenous people were all increasing, while preschool attendance and school readiness rates had fallen.

According to the latest data, youth detention has risen by 11 per cent, suicide by 9.4 per cent and adult incarceration by 3.5 per cent. Preschool attendance has dropped by 2.6 per cent and school readiness by 1.2 per cent.

Senator Liddle said the figures underscored the need for a stronger framework. “The current approach is failing to deliver. We need better data, accountability and private sector involvement to see genuine outcomes,” she said.

She also called for Closing the Gap metrics to be expanded to include family violence, describing it as a major factor driving disadvantage.

Her comments came as justice adviser Eddie Cubillo resigned from the national partnership in protest, saying governments were failing to honour commitments. “We are watching outcomes slide backwards, and communities are paying the price,” he said.

Queensland and the Northern Territory have also opposed bail reforms intended to reduce unsentenced Indigenous prisoners, citing “tough on crime” priorities. Advocates say such decisions undermine national goals.

The Productivity Commission is due to release a review of the Closing the Gap agreement later this year. Experts say stronger transparency and independent oversight will be key recommendations.