New Agreement on Closing the Gap Targets
As the world continues to move towards a more equal and just society, governments and organizations are taking steps to ensure that significant progress is being made in closing the gap between different groups of people. In the latest development on this issue, an agreement has been reached to set new targets for closing the gap.
The agreement was reached during a meeting of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in December 2018. The COAG is a forum that brings together the heads of government from the Australian federal, state, and territory governments. The meeting discussed several issues related to social and economic equity, including the Closing the Gap targets.
The Closing the Gap targets were first established in 2008, with the goal of addressing the inequality faced by Indigenous Australians. The targets included areas such as health, education, employment, and housing, and were intended to be achieved by 2030. However, progress has been slow, and many of the targets are unlikely to be met by the deadline.
The new agreement aims to revitalize the Closing the Gap targets and accelerate progress towards achieving them. The agreement includes several new measures, such as a commitment to increasing Indigenous participation in decision-making processes, improving access to early childhood education, and strengthening the role of Indigenous languages in education.
One of the most significant changes in the new agreement is a focus on a more collaborative approach to closing the gap. The COAG recognized that progress cannot be achieved by governments alone and that Indigenous communities and organizations must play an active role in shaping and implementing solutions. This collaborative approach is expected to lead to more effective and sustainable outcomes.
Another important aspect of the new agreement is its focus on data-driven decision-making. The COAG recognized that accurate and reliable data is essential for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements are needed. The agreement includes a commitment to improving the quality and availability of data, particularly in areas such as health and education.
Overall, the new agreement on closing the gap targets represents a significant step towards creating a more equal and just society in Australia. By combining a collaborative approach with a focus on data-driven decision-making, the COAG hopes to make meaningful progress towards closing the gap and achieving the ambitious targets set over a decade ago. With continued efforts and a commitment to these targets, it is possible to build a more inclusive and equitable Australia for all.
