Priority Reforms

The National Agreement on Closing the Gap has four Priority Reforms that have been developed in consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

These reforms are central to the National Agreement and will change the way governments work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.

NSW has a fifth priority reform on Employment, Business Growth, and Economic Prosperity. This emerged as a key priority in community consultations, and is strongly supported by the NSW Partnership.

Priority Reform 1 – Formal Partnerships and Shared Decision Making

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people sharing decision-making with governments through formal partnership arrangements.

This Priority Reform is about genuine partnership between governments and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to share decision making on policies and programs impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

For more information visit: this link
For more information about what NSW is doing to progress Priority Reform 1 can be found here.

Priority Reform 2 – Building the Community Controlled Sector

Strengthening the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled sector to deliver more of the services that meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

This Priority Reform is about increasing services delivered through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled sector. This is in recognition that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled services usually achieve better results, employ more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and are often preferred over mainstream services.

For more information visit: this link
For more information about what NSW is doing to progress Priority Reform 2 can be found here.

Priority Reform 3 – Transforming Government Organisations

Changing the way governments work in order to be culturally safe and responsive to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

This Priority Reform is about changing the way governments work to better meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It includes eliminating racism, embedding cultural safety, delivering services in partnership, increasing the transparency and accountability of funding, and supporting the cultures of, and increasing engagement with, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

For more information visit: this link
For more information about what NSW is doing to progress Priority Reform 3 can be found here.

Priority Reform 4 – Shared Access to Data and Information at a Regional Level

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people having access to locally-relevant data and information to drive their own priorities.

This Priority Reform is about sharing local data and information with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations. It enables Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to obtain a comprehensive picture of what is happening in their communities and support decision making to drive community-led priorities.

For more information visit: this link
For more information about what NSW is doing to progress Priority Reform 4 can be found here.

Priority Reform 5 – Employment, Business Growth and Economic Prosperity (NSW specific)

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in NSW are empowered to access pathways through education, training and employment that align with their aspirations, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses grow and flourish.

This priority reform has a key focus on growing the Aboriginal business sector in partnership, including by expanding opportunities for businesses to deliver government contracts. It recognises Aboriginal businesses are often vehicles of self-determination, driving positive employment, training and broader social outcomes.

Priority reform 5 will be further refined through engagements with Aboriginal communities, businesses, and relevant experts. This is so that the priority reform aligns with community aspirations for securing their own prosperity.

More information about what NSW is doing to progress Priority Reform 5 can be found here.