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Commission work related to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people

The Productivity Commission acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to their Cultures, Country and Elders past and present.

The Productivity Commission undertakes substantial work on matters of importance to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. This includes public inquiries and research studies requested by the Australian Government, Commission-initiated research, annual reporting, and as part of our secretariat role to the inter-governmental Review of Government Service Provision (RoGS). Examples of current and recent work focused on matters of importance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are set out below.

Please note: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain names, images and voices of deceased people. It may also link to other websites which contain names, images and voices of deceased people.

National Agreement on Closing the Gap

As of 2020-21, the Productivity Commission has a significant role under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. The Commission to is provide independent oversight and accountability of progress by:

  • Developing and maintaining a publicly accessible information repository, which underpins a data dashboard and annual data report.
  • Undertaking an independent review of progress every three years, which will be complementary to a three-yearly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led review.
Indigenous Evaluation Strategy

The Indigenous Evaluation Strategy provides a whole-of-government framework for Australian Government agencies to use when evaluating policies and programs affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Expenditure on Children in the Northern Territory

This study report is about how the Commonwealth and Northern Territory Governments can work more collaboratively so their expenditure decisions improve outcomes for children and families.

Mental Health

This report makes recommendations to the Australian and State and Territory Governments to improve the mental health of people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. Sections 8.6 and 9.3 are specifically focused on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

National Water Reform

The National Water Reform inquiry report was handed to the Australian Government on 28 May 2021.

Reforms to Human Services

This report makes recommendations on how to apply increased competition, contestability and informed user choice to human services to improve outcomes. Chapter 9 is specifically focused on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Report on Government Services

The annual Report on Government Services provides information on the equity, effectiveness and efficiency of a range of government services.

Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage

The Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage report measures the wellbeing of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Indigenous Expenditure Report

The Indigenous Expenditure Report provides estimates of Australian, State and Territory government expenditure for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.