Politicians make sweeping statements on how to close the gap. But here’s advice from people working directly with Indigenous communities who have evidence for what actually works.
The government will hail this year’s outcome as the most promising result since 2011.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
The latest census data reveals valuable insights into Closing the Gap targets. While there’s some improvement in school attendance rates, all other indicators suggest a radical rethink is required.
‘We refuse to appeal to the benevolence of White folk for our lives to matter. We remind them every day that we are still here.’
Corey Oakley/flickr
The Inuit town of Clyde River has won a long battle to stop Arctic seismic testing. The Supreme Court ruled the Inuit weren’t adequately consulted. What does that mean for future consultations?
The Referendum Council contends there should be a place for Indigenous voices in Australia’s Constitution.
AAP/Lucy Hughes Jones
Bodies established around the world to hear ‘black’ voices have an enduring problem: they advise, but are rarely – if ever – heard.
The Referendum Council’s report is the conclusion of 18 months of consultation and discussion, including six months of regional dialogues with Indigenous people.
AAP/Paul Miller
Implicit in Malcolm Turnbull’s and Bill Shorten’s arguments that an Indigenous ‘voice to parliament’ would be a big change is the notion that it may be too difficult.
Australia’s Indigenous population is growing – rapidly.
AAP/Dan Peled
The census mostly delivered a good news story on Indigenous Australian outcomes, but it is unclear to what extent this correlates to improved lives for Indigenous families.
In political terms, the Howard government faced little opposition to the Northern Territory Intervention.
AAP/Alan Porritt
At the same time as it’s become clear that Indigenous people won’t accept a limited change, the right in Australian politics has become more determined to oppose any amendment.
The statement from the constitutional convention at Uluru reflects long-held Indigenous aspirations.
AAP/Lucy Hughes Jones
Indigenous Australians have issued a statement calling for constitutional reform that is substantive and meaningful.
At a demonstration, Faith Bandler (right) and her daughter Lilon (2R) appeal to national unity as grounds for constitutional amendment.
Aboriginal Studies Press
The 1967 referendum was the culmination of a long struggle for both Aboriginal rights and respect, for social esteem as well as equality before the law.
Almost half of the participants in the Cashless Welfare Card trial said it had made their lives worse.
AAP/Richard Milnes
It’s a mystery why another trial of the Cashless Debit Card is necessary – particularly given how it has led to further economic and social harm among its participants.
Paul Keating recognised the significant opportunities – and political risks – the High Court’s Mabo decision presented.
National Archives of Australia
Cabinet papers reveal the extent to which the Keating government was torn between concern for fiscal responsibility and a desire to tackle Indigenous disadvantage and pursue meaningful reconciliation.
Treaties are formal agreements, reached via respectful negotiation under which both sides accept a series of responsibilities.
AAP/Joe Castro
No treaty between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians has ever been recognised, but developments at the state level suggest this may soon change.
Indigenous Australians have always done plenty to try to improve their lives.
AAP/Marianna Massey
Waves of policies from successive Coalition and Labor governments have followed a paternalistic lead. This has created further impediments to thousands of Indigenous peoples who are doing plenty.
Official data continues to record substantial failures in improving the wellbeing of Indigenous Australians.
AAP/Dave Hunt
The book Red Professor: the Cold War Life of Fred Rose tells of a progressive anthropologist who was stymied by non-Indigenous people in powerful positions. Sadly, it’s a narrative that still resonates today.