Closing the Gap

Waters criticised the government for failing to address systemic racism and structural causes of disadvantage. Waters highlighted high incarceration rates, deaths in custody, and the lack of implementation of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody recommendations. Waters called for the ratification of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, new cultural heritage laws, and bold action on truth-telling and treaties.

McKenzie expressed concern that the report showed little progress, with incarceration and suicide rates rising despite billions in spending. McKenzie argued that the government was not doing enough practically and called for an urgent audit of service provision to fill gaps. McKenzie suggested that the current approach was failing and that fundamental changes were needed to stop widening the gap.

Hanson argued that race-based policies created division and that an industry had been structured around Indigenous identity. Hanson questioned the accuracy of census data regarding Aboriginality and criticised the high cost of government housing projects compared to community-built alternatives. Hanson called for treating all Australians equally under one law and ending what she described as divisive practices and corruption in Indigenous affairs.

Thorpe described Closing the Gap as a failure and a form of political cover for the government. Thorpe highlighted rising incarceration rates, deaths in custody, and the expansion of prisons as evidence of colonial state violence. Thorpe argued that the government lacked political will for structural reform and called for justice reinvestment and community control instead of punitive measures.

Stewart acknowledged that only four of 19 targets were on track and highlighted alarming rates of youth incarceration and suicide. Stewart criticised the justice system and noted that preventable diseases like rheumatic heart disease still affected communities. Stewart praised the free TAFE program for creating opportunities but called for sustained investment and genuine partnership with communities to address systemic failures.

Price argued that progress was inhibited by a focus on victimhood and traditional culture that she claimed perpetuated disadvantage. Price called for Indigenous forgiveness to move beyond the past and for the removal of regressive cultural aspects that contributed to violence. Price advocated for reviewing the Aboriginal Land Rights Act to unlock economic potential and for ending race-based ring-fencing in favour of individual agency.

Pocock highlighted the high rate of Indigenous incarceration in the ACT and the issue of deaths in custody. Pocock cited a review that found widespread racism in ACT systems and called for urgent action on youth justice and diversion programs. Pocock acknowledged Minister McCarthy's engagement efforts but argued that the government needed more ambition and a departure from repetitive approaches.

Cox defended the government's commitment to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and its structural reforms. Cox highlighted investments in justice reinvestment, housing, and education, noting that community-controlled services were delivering results. Cox emphasised the importance of place-based responses and partnership with First Nations people to address long-term inequities.

shadow minister

O'Sullivan argued that the government failed to deliver tangible outcomes for Indigenous Australians, noting that targets for child development and out-of-home care had worsened. O'Sullivan stated that family safety data had been unavailable since 2018-19 and urged the return of the cashless debit card. O'Sullivan also advocated for a thorough inquiry into funding and outcomes, alongside promoting economic opportunities through improved land tenure. O'Sullivan condemned the throwing of an explosive device at a protest in Perth, expressing support for the Noongar community and emphasising the right to peaceful expression.

Faruqi characterised the Closing the Gap initiative as a colonial venture that failed to address systemic injustice. Faruqi noted that only four of 19 national agreement targets were on track, while four were moving backwards. Faruqi criticised the appointment of David Connolly as Northern Territory Administrator, citing public comments made by Connolly regarding First Nations people. Faruqi argued that the government lacked data on tertiary education progress and failed to address high incarceration rates and violence against Indigenous women.

Shoebridge argued that the report ignored the lived experiences of First Nations people, including land dispossession and the removal of children. Shoebridge highlighted that the federal government funded 60 per cent of spit hoods used on Indigenous children in the Northern Territory. Shoebridge stated that young Indigenous women viewed the federal government as racist and disconnected from their realities. Shoebridge called for the use of fiscal power to stop states from spending Commonwealth money on incarceration and for the implementation of self-determination.