The prime minister highlighted four key measures in the report that were getting worse – small children were failing to thrive,more children were now in out-of-home care,more adults were in prison,and the number of suicides had increased.
The report found that just four of 19 socioeconomic outcomes for Aboriginal Australians were on track to meet their targets,while 11 of 19 were improving.
Four measures – Indigenous Australians’ access to secure and affordable housing,young people being engaged in employment or education,people enjoying long and healthy lives and babies being born healthy and strong – were found to have improved but were not on track.
“Australians want to close the gap. Australians believe in the fair go. This government remains determined to move reconciliation forward and seek better results for Indigenous Australians,” Albanese told the parliament.
“As we take the time needed to get Makaratta[agreement,or treaty-making] and truth-telling right,the work of treaty goes on at a state and territory level ... and we will respond to their progress while focusing on our immediate responsibilities – Closing the Gap,self-determination and tangible outcomes,particularly in jobs,housing,education,health and justice.”
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The 2017 Uluru Statement from the Heart from Indigenous leaders called for the Voice to parliament,as well as truth-telling and treaty,and Albanese’s comments suggest the government remains cautiously committed to the latter two elements – albeit with no timeline from the prime minister.