Truth through transparency: Elected Body releases Turning Point Report
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body has released its 2025 August Hearings Report, ‘Truth through Transparency’: A Turning Point Report.
This report is different from previous hearings reports. For the first time, the Elected Body has done its own full, evidence-based assessment of how the ACT Government is tracking against the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2019–2028.
The Elected Body looked closely at data, tested evidence and asked a key question: are government commitments creating real change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT?
Community voices were central to this process. Many community members helped shape the hearings by contributing questions, ensuring the Elected Body represents the broad interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The findings are deeply concerning. Of the 22 targets in the Agreement, only 4 are on track. Four are not on track, 8 have worsened and 6 are not being measured at all. This shows that in many areas, outcomes are going backwards.
Elected Body Chairperson Maurice Walker said the report is about telling the truth clearly and openly.
‘Transparency gives truth, and truth gives us another beginning,’ Maurice said. ‘We need shared data, real accountability and genuine partnership – not more plans, but action alongside community.’
The Turning Point Report is both an honest assessment and an invitation to reset. With truth, accountability and partnership, there is still time to deliver what was promised under the ACT Agreement.
