How governments must transform

Priority Reform Three: Transforming Government Organisations is about changing the way government agencies and institutions work so they are accountable, culturally safe, and responsive to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Systemic and structural barriers in mainstream institutions – such as racism, unconscious bias, and culturally unsafe practices – contribute to poor outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

To address this, all government organisations have committed to:

• identify and eliminate racism
• embed and practice meaningful cultural safety
• deliver services in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, communities and people
• increase accountability through transparent funding allocations
• support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures
• improve engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

Priority Reform Three applies to all agencies and staff, not just those working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policy. It means considering cultural safety, equity, and partnership in everything we do – whether we’re working on budget proposals, designing policy or programs, managing implementation activities, or delivering services.

Find out more

The National Agreement on Closing the Gap

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led review of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap

The Productivity Commission’s first Review of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap