Bringing community voices to the table on Closing the Gap
The Elected Body met with Thomas Emerson MLA and community representatives this month to discuss a draft bill focused on government accountability with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. We spoke plainly and directly about what needs to happen for the government to honour its commitments under the National Agreement.
The discussion centred on the draft Public Sector (Closing the Gap) Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, which introduces some rules to hold government accountable to its duties on Closing the Gap and implementing review recommendations.
The conversation was respectful and productive on what it means for public servants to do their job on:
- developing cultural capability in their workplace
- implementing the principles of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap throughout their work
- promoting cultural safety
- eliminating institutional racism in their workplace.
Housing, child protection, justice, health and education were important topics discussed, especially with how we can realise the improvements and equity our community expects and deserves.
The room agreed that action and accountability will help us move forwards. Commitments must be matched with real follow-through, not just good intentions.
We’ll continue to show up to these conversations and hope this dialogue is the start of meaningful progress. But it must be led by community voices, grounded in truth, and measured by tangible results.
The Public Sector (Closing the Gap) Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 will be read in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday 26 June at 3 pm AEST.
