Barring yana-ngali gadhaba has been developed in partnership with Ngaweeyan Maar-oo, the Koorie Caucus of Victoria’s Partnership Forum on Closing the Gap, through an extensive co-design process undertaken over the past two years. It reflects a shared commitment to improving accountability, strengthening partnerships with Aboriginal organisations, and advancing shared decision-making between government and Aboriginal people in Victoria.
The actions contained within Barring yana-ngali gadhaba are strategic, forward-looking and outcomes focused. They are designed to accelerate progress towards achieving the Priority Reforms and socio-economic targets (SETs) set out in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (National Agreement) by addressing the structural and systemic barriers that continue to contribute to inequitable outcomes for Aboriginal people in Victoria. Consistent with the findings of the Productivity Commission’s review of the National Agreement, this Plan focuses on the transformational changes required to drive long-term progress, rather than presenting a comprehensive list of existing programs, services or commitments.
Barring yana-ngali gadhaba embeds a coordinated whole-of-government approach to Closing the Gap implementation. It recognises that the National Agreement is an interconnected cross-portfolio reform agenda that requires governments to fundamentally change the way they work with Aboriginal people and organisations. The actions included in the plan are underpinned by clear theories of change to ensure that each action will contribute to improved outcomes and support accountability for delivery.
The development and delivery of Barring yana-ngali gadhaba is occurring at a pivotal moment in the relationship between government and Aboriginal people in Victoria. Landmark reforms are underway through Truth and Treaty, creating unprecedented opportunities to transform systems, strengthen Aboriginal self-determination and reshape the relationship between Aboriginal people and government.
Barring yana-ngali gadhaba recognises that Truth, Treaty and Closing the Gap are inextricably connected and mutually reinforcing. Together, these reform agendas are strengthening Aboriginal voices in decision-making, creating new mechanisms for shared authority and accountability, and laying the foundations for long-term systemic change.
Following decades of advocacy by Aboriginal people, Victoria’s first Statewide Treaty formally commenced in December 2025. Alongside the Yoorrook Justice Commission, Australia’s first formal truth-telling process, Treaty represents a significant shift in the relationship between Aboriginal people and the State. These reforms support the transfer of power and resources, strengthen self-determination, and create new opportunities for Aboriginal people to influence the decisions that affect their lives, communities and futures.
The Implementation Plan builds on this momentum, recognising that achieving the ambitions of the National Agreement will require sustained effort across all parts of government and ongoing partnership with Aboriginal communities, organisations and Traditional Owners.
Barring yana-ngali gadhaba is structured to provide both strategic direction and accountability for delivering Closing the Gap outcomes in Victoria.
- The opening chapters establish the context for implementation, including the relationship between Closing the Gap, Truth and Treaty, and outlines the approach taken to develop the Plan.
- The Priority Reforms chapter outlines how the Victorian Government will drive the systemic and structural change envisaged by the four Priority Reforms. It includes nine whole-of-government actions that, alongside Treaty, will provide a strong foundation for transformational reform.
- The socio-economic targets chapter sets out 43 new actions across the 17 socio-economic outcome areas in the National Agreement. These actions will be delivered in partnership with Aboriginal organisations to support progress towards Closing the Gap targets across government.
- The accountability, monitoring and evaluation chapter outlines how government will work in partnership with community to ensure transparency and accountability for delivering the plan.
- The appendices provide detailed information on actions, implementation responsibilities, and supporting material.
The four Priority Reforms remain at the heart of this work. They represent the fundamental changes required to transform how governments work with and for Aboriginal people and are critical to achieving lasting improvements in outcomes. The Priority Reforms respond directly to the aspirations and priorities Aboriginal communities have long advocated for, including stronger shared decision-making, a sustainable and well-resourced Aboriginal community-controlled sector, greater access to and sharing of data, and transformed government organisations that are culturally safe and accountable.
The Priority Reforms require governments to move beyond business-as-usual approaches and embrace new ways of working that place Aboriginal self-determination at the centre of policy development, service design and implementation. Central to this work is a strong, sustainable and well-resourced Aboriginal community-controlled sector. Aboriginal organisations play a critical role in delivering culturally safe services, strengthening communities, preserving culture and driving accountability across government systems. Supporting the growth and capability of the Aboriginal community-controlled sector remains essential to achieving the objectives of the National Agreement and ensuring Aboriginal people have greater authority over decisions that affect their lives.
This Implementation Plan also reflects the importance of culture, connection and Community strengthening as foundations for improved outcomes. By prioritising self-determined solutions, revitalising language and culture, supporting Aboriginal Elders, expanding access to land and water, and empowering the next generation of proud, strong and thriving Aboriginal people, Victoria is helping to ensure Aboriginal culture continues to flourish for future generations.
The actions contained within this Plan are supported by accountability, monitoring and evaluation arrangements. Progress towards implementation will be publicly reported through annual Closing the Gap reporting. Evaluation approaches will be developed in partnership with relevant Aboriginal organisations to ensure actions remain effective, responsive and accountable to Aboriginal communities.
While progress has been made, significant disparities remain across many areas of social, economic and cultural wellbeing. Closing the Gap is therefore both an opportunity and an obligation. It is an opportunity to create a future where Aboriginal people in Victoria can thrive and enjoy equitable outcomes across all aspects of life. It is also an obligation on governments to address the legacy of policies, practices and systems that have contributed to enduring inequality.
The findings of the Yoorrook Justice Commission have highlighted the profound and ongoing impacts of colonisation and systemic injustice experienced by Aboriginal people in Victoria, while also recognising the strength, resilience and leadership of Aboriginal communities. These findings reinforce the importance of sustained action to address structural inequality and create lasting change.
Barring yana-ngali gadhaba represents an important step in that journey. Through partnership, accountability and a shared commitment to self-determination, the Victorian Government and Aboriginal communities can continue to drive the systemic change intended by the National Agreement. Together with Truth and Treaty, the actions outlined in this Plan will contribute to a future where Aboriginal people in Victoria determine their own futures, where culture and Community are strengthened, and where the gap in life outcomes is closed for current and future generations.
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