Perspectives

Current issues

Kevin Rudd’s speech was, reportedly, well-received by indigenous and non-indigenous people alike, and many viewed it as an important historic moment for Australia. Following the speech, a government strategy named Closing the Gap was created in an attempt to reduce disadvantages among indigenous Australians with respect to child mortality, life expectancy, access to and achievement in education, and employment. As part of the strategy, an annual report of the progress made concerning these issues is presented, typically around the anniversary of the apology speech. Throughout the years, the reports showed a slow improvement in the areas tackled by the strategy, although some progress was made in reducing child mortality.

The lack of results of the Closing the Gap strategy caused much frustration and disappointment among members of the in...