In 2008, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) pledged to collaboratively address Indigenous disadvantage through the Closing the Gap initiative. This commitment resulted in the establishment of the

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National Indigenous Reform Agreement (NIRA), featuring a comprehensive strategy that outlines specific targets to reduce the disparities in life outcomes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians.

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The strategy aimed to achieve these targets by allocating funds for new programs and services, enhancing reporting requirements, and establishing government accountability mechanisms to monitor progress.

While some input from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals contributed to the policy and associated programs, there was never full ownership by our people and representatives. Although welcomed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, the initiative was viewed as a government-driven effort.

The lack of meaningful Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices in the Closing the Gap initiative may have contributed to a 'deficit approach' to closing the gap, focusing on shortcomings rather than leveraging strengths like culture and connection to country in setting targets and programs.

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The realisation of Closing the Gap targets faced setbacks, attributed to incomplete implementation, insufficient collaboration among governments, a lack of sustained funding, and inadequate community involvement. These factors collectively contributed to the disappointing progress in achieving the outlined objectives.