ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

The Australian Government acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the Elders past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.

Indigenous.gov.au Connecting With First Nations Australians
Back to News

Closing the Gap report release

12 February 2026
Closing the Gap Annual Report and Implementation Plan cover

The Australian Government has released the 2025 Closing the Gap Annual Report and the 2026 Implementation Plan. These documents show what has been achieved in partnership with First Nations communities, and what the Government will focus on next.

2025 Annual Report 

In 2025, the Government worked with First Nations organisations, the Coalition of Peaks, and all levels of government to deliver practical changes that make a real difference in communities.

Highlights include:

  • Cheaper everyday essentials in 117 remote stores through the Low‑Cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme.
  • More than 1,450 real jobs created through the Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) Program.
  • Better access to safe housing, with more than 300 new houses built in remote NT communities.
  • More culturally safe healthcare, including more Birthing on Country services and improved community health facilities.
  • More opportunities for young people, with Junior Ranger activities expanding across the country.

2026 Implementation Plan 

The plan for 2026 builds on what works and keeps delivery at the centre.

  • Expanding the RJED Program to create 3,000 more real jobs in remote communities.
  • Supporting more remote stores to provide affordable essentials.
  • Better access to health services, close to home: including improved infrastructure and care for people with chronic conditions.
  • More Rangers on Country, with the Ranger workforce continuing to grow.
  • Safer families and communities: expanded 13YARN crisis support and a new plan—Our Ways, Strong Ways, Our Voices—to reduce family, domestic and sexual violence
  • More environmentally sustainable homes: a First Nations stream in the Northern Territory Remote Housing Package and a 10% First Nations tenancy target in social housing
  • More free Community Wi‑Fi in up to 50 remote communities.

The Government remains committed to working in partnership with First Nations people — listening, sharing decisions, and supporting community‑led solutions.

For more community stories read the report at Closing the Gap | NIAA