Closing the Gap annual data compilation report 2023

The latest Closing the Gap annual data released today shows poorer outcomes in early childhood development, increased numbers of adults in prison and children in out-of-home care, as well as a rise in Indigenous suicide since baseline.

The Productivity Commission today released the third Closing the Gap Annual Data Compilation Report (ADCR) which shows only four of the 19 targets are on track, while four have deteriorated.

This year, the Productivity Commission applied new analyses and data at jurisdictional level to break down select targets by socioeconomic disadvantage and remoteness.

Encouragingly, the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 25-64 who are employed is improving and on track. Progress has also been made towards a further seven targets, but not at the level required for the targets to be met on schedule.

There has been a 30 per cent reduction in the rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people (10-17 years) in detention, while preschool enrolments have improved. Land subject to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s legal rights or interests also remains on track.

Overall, the gap is not closing quickly enough. 

It is why we need a Voice to Parliament, to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are heard on the matters that affect their communities and better policy is developed.

The Annual Data Compilation Report is available on the Productivity Commission website at www.pc.gov.au/closing-the-gap-data/annual-data-report.

Targets improving and on track:

• Target 3 - By 2025, increase the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children enrolled in Year Before Full time Schooling (YBFS) early childhood education to 95 per cent.
• Target 8 - By 2031, increase the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 25-64 who are employed to 62 per cent.
• Target 11 - By 2031, reduce the rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people (10 17 years) in detention by at least 30 per cent.
• Target 15A - By 2030, a 15 per cent increase in land mass subject to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s legal rights or interests.

Targets not on track but improving:

• Target 1 - By 2031, Close the Gap in life expectancy within a generation.
• Target 2 - By 2031, increase the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies with a healthy birthweight to 91 per cent.Target 5 - Indigenous children attaining year 12 or equivalent qualification.
• Target 6: Indigenous people aged 25-34 years completing a tertiary qualification.
• Target 7: Indigenous youth aged 15-24 are in employment, education or training.
• Target 9A: Indigenous people living in appropriately sized housing,
• Target 15B - By 2030, a 15 per cent increase in sea covered by, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s legal rights or interests.

Targets not on track and worsening:

• Target 4 - By 2031, increase the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children assessed as developmentally on track in all five domains of the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) to 55 per cent.
• Target 10 - By 2031, reduce the rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults held in incarceration by at least 15 per cent.
• Target 12 - By 2031, reduce the rate of overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children (0-17 years old) in out-of-home care by 45 per cent.
• Target 14 - Significant and sustained reduction in suicide of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people towards zero.

Quotes attributable to Minister Burney:

“Four Targets are getting worse – this is not acceptable. 

“More of the same isn’t good enough, we have to do better.  

“A Voice to Parliament will help to close the Gap, because we know that listening to communities leads to better outcomes that improve people’s lives. 

“We are committed to improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and closing the gap which is only possible through strong partnerships with the Coalition of Peaks, state and territory governments and ultimately a Voice to Parliament.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McCarthy:

“These aren’t just statistics – every single number is a human being. The data tells the story of  Indigenous people who want to see a better future for their children, themselves and their communities.

“Every child deserves to live a long, healthy and happy life. We can only turn the tide on closing the gap if we give communities a genuine say in developing solutions now and into the future.”