ACT becomes first jurisdiction to legislate Closing the Gap commitments
New legislation officially came into effect on 1 July, making the ACT the first jurisdiction to officially legislate Closing the Gap commitments. The Public Sector (Closing the Gap) Legislation Amendment Act 2025 makes progress on Closing the Gap a shared responsibility across the ACT Public Service.
Chairperson Maurice Walker says the legislation reflected years of advocacy to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are genuinely heard in government decision-making.
‘Closing the Gap has always been about changing the way governments work with our communities. Real change happens when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are involved in the decisions that affect our lives, our families and our futures.
‘These reforms are an important step towards making Closing the Gap a shared responsibility across the ACT Government. ATSIEB looks forward to continuing to work in partnership with government to implement these changes, while also holding government to account for delivering on its commitments to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.’
For our Canberra community, the legislation lays the foundation for more culturally informed policies and services, stronger partnerships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, greater transparency, and improved accountability for outcomes. It also reinforces the principle that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should have a genuine voice in the design, delivery and evaluation of programs and services that affect them.
Self-determination sits at the heart of Closing the Gap. While today’s milestone is welcome, the legislation is only the beginning.
We have worked alongside Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and the community to advocate for this change, representing the voices of many who work on the frontline and whose lives are affected by the outcomes of this legislation. We will continue to partner with ACCOs and the Canberra community, and with government, to ensure the reforms deliver meaningful improvements for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the ACT. It will also continue its role in representing community voices, advocating for self-determination and holding government accountable for delivering on the commitments made under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
