The Queensland Government has launched its inaugural Closing the Gap Implementation Plan. The plan sets out in detail how the Queensland Government intends to implement its obligations under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap to which it is a signatory.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Craig Crawford said the plan continues the Palaszczuk Government’s reframing of its relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“We are working together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples—doing things with people and not to them—to deliver real change, Mr Crawford said.
“We have partnered with Queensland’s peak community-controlled organisations to develop the plan, which will be updated annually, to reflect the experiences and ambitions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders
It sets out the four priority reforms included in the agreement and how the Queensland Government intends to implement each. These reforms are:
- Formal partnerships and shared decision making.
- Building the Community Controlled sector.
- Transforming Government Organisations.
- Shared access to data and information at a regional level.
Additionally, the reforms are complemented with
17 socio-economic outcomes based on targets set out in the National Agreement (see Data Room, pages 10–12).
The Queensland Government also set out a number new of initiatives it is undertaking to address the 17 socio-economic outcomes. Some of these include:
- The Motor Accident Insurance Commission launched the Drive safe, Drive deadly program.
- First Nations Health Workforce Strategy will embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing across the health system.
