Close the Gap report 2026: Progress seen, but stronger action needed

Close the Gap report 2026: Progress seen, but stronger action needed

19 Mar 2026

Released on Thursday for National Close the Gap Day, the 2026 Close the Gap report says a more holistic approach to health is needed. It highlights the importance of family, culture, and connection to Country in improving wellbeing.

The report shows that while there has been some improvement, most targets are still not on track. About one-third of the health gap is linked to social factors like housing, education, income, and access to food. It also found that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience a burden of disease 2.3 times higher than other Australians.

The report calls for urgent changes, including stronger legal protection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights and long-term investment in community-led solutions.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss said progress will remain fragile without real reform. She stressed that lasting change requires laws that protect rights and ensure accountability, not just policies.

The report, themed Community Voices: The Pathway to Justice, Equality and Healing, also recommends that the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples be included in Australian law.

Dr Sarah-Rebekah Clarke said GPs can help by taking a more patient-centred approach. She encouraged doctors to slow down, listen carefully, and build trust with patients to better understand their health journey.

She also highlighted the need for ongoing education, regular reviews of progress, and stronger government accountability, along with continued input from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Dr Clarke said Close the Gap Day is a reminder to address the health inequalities that exist across Australia and expressed hope that all targets could be achieved in the future with the right support and partnerships.

A recent government update — the Closing the Gap 2025 Annual Report — found that only four out of 19 targets are currently on track. Key areas falling behind include reducing incarceration rates and lowering the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care.

Close the Gap Co-Chair Karl Briscoe said communities continue to show strong leadership, resilience, and innovation despite ongoing challenges. He said it is now up to governments to take real action and support these efforts. 

https://www1.racgp.org.au/

Source: newsGP / Close the Gap Report 2026

 
 
 

Categories

Popular Posts

Tags