Closing the Gap: Some Progress, But Many Targets Behind
13 Feb 2026
Only four out of 19 targets for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are on track, while some are getting worse. Experts say Indigenous communities need more power and resources to lead solutions.
Wins include 28 funded community justice projects, safe rheumatic heart care at 114 sites, 10 new Regional University Study Hubs, and 264 new homes in remote areas.
But some key goals are off track. Reducing adult Indigenous incarceration by 15% by 2031 is worsening, and reducing over-representation of children in out-of-home care by 45% is not on track.
Scott Wilson from the Coalition of Peaks said Indigenous-led solutions work best. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Government won’t give up. Meanwhile, Uluru Dialogue leaders say decades of promises haven’t delivered real change.
The RACGP urges governments to tackle racism, which is a major factor affecting health, and calls for more culturally safe healthcare led by Indigenous people.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
Source: Commonwealth of Australia, Closing the Gap 2025 Annual Report & 2026 Implementation Plan; RACGP
