Victorian Government Aboriginal Affairs Report 2025

Acknowledgement

We acknowledge the First Peoples of Victoria and their ongoing strength in practising the world’s oldest living culture. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters on which we live and work and pay our respect to their Elders, past and present.

We recognise that from time immemorial, First Peoples have practised their law and lore, customs and languages, and nurtured Country through their spiritual, cultural, material and economic connections to land, water and resources.

We acknowledge that the long-lasting, far-reaching and intergenerational consequences of the dispossession of First Peoples of their Country are a direct result of colonisation and the establishment of the State of Victoria. This history, and the systems it gave rise to, continue to harm First Peoples today. It is only through true Aboriginal self-determination that we can begin to right the wrongs of the past.

We acknowledge the strength and resilience of First Peoples in the face of historical and ongoing injustices, and the survival of their living cultures, knowledge and traditions.

Language Statement

Language is important and can change over time. Words can have different meanings for different people.

We recognise the diversity of First Peoples, communities and cultures throughout Victoria. While the terms ‘Koorie’ or ‘Koori’ are commonly used by contemporary First Peoples in southeast Australia to identify and differentiate themselves from First Peoples groups from other parts of Australia, this does not encompass the diversity of all First Peoples in Victoria. Unless overwise stated, we have used the term ‘Aboriginal’ or ‘First Peoples’ to include all people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent who live in Victoria.

The glossary includes a list of acronyms and other terminology used in the Report.

Message from the Premier

We are the first state in Australia to have signed a Treaty with First Peoples. At this historic moment, the Victorian Government Aboriginal Affairs Report 2025 marks the progress we have made and makes clear the work we must do to close the gap through Treaty.

In December I delivered an official State Apology to First Peoples in the Victorian Parliament that acknowledged the impacts upon First Peoples since colonisation. The apology was a key recommendation of the Yoorrook Justice Commission and a commitment made in the Treaty.

Our history impacts our present. We need to understand how inequality was created to overcome it. This apology was a significant step towards acknowledging the past, building a shared understanding of our history, and addressing past injustices, so that all Victorians can move forward together.

Closing the gap means creating real change and delivering practical outcomes that improve the lives of Aboriginal families. And Victoria's Treaty is a pathway for making real, practical changes to achieve better outcomes for First Peoples. By enshrining Treaty in law, we acknowledge the truth of our past and work towards a future built on respect and partnership.

I offer my heartfelt gratitude to the Aboriginal organisations, leaders and communities that continue to show strength and determination in improving outcomes. Your work lays the foundations of a better future for all Victorians.

The apology I delivered in December ended with a promise to First Peoples that I reaffirm now: “Victoria will not look away. Not from the truth. Not from the work. Not from you.”

Hon Jacinta Allen MP

Premier of Victoria

Message from the Minister for First Peoples

I am pleased to present the Victorian Government Aboriginal Affairs Report (VGAAR) 2025.

The Report provides key data to track the implementation of the Self-Determination Reform Framework, Victoria’s obligations under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, and the Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework 2018-2025 (VAAF), which is Victoria’s overarching framework to improve outcomes for, and with, First Peoples.

The principle of self-determination underpins the VAAF. It means that when Aboriginal people have a say in policies and solutions for their families, we get better outcomes across areas including health, housing, justice and education.

The 2025 VGAAR highlights where Aboriginal Victorian’s lives are improving but also troubling areas where outcomes have stalled or worsened.

We know there is more work to be done and Treaty is how we close the gap.

We know that Treaty is a pathway to practical changes and solutions. Gellung Warl is the entity created under the Statewide Treaty Act 2025 (Vic) that will lead the strengthening of relationships between First Peoples and the State. Working with the Victorian Government, Gellung Warl will use its functions and powers to action the practical outcomes set out in the Statewide Treaty.

Treaty is an opportunity to come to grips with the history we share – and create a better and fairer future together. Because working together, we can Close the Gap.

The Hon Ros Spence MP

Minister for First Peoples

About this Report

The annual Victorian Government Aboriginal Affairs Report (Report) documents government’s progress against four key frameworks:

• the Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework (VAAF)
• the Self-Determination Reform Framework (SDRF)
• the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (National Agreement)
• the Victorian Closing the Gap Implementation Plan 2021-2025 (Implementation Plan).

The Report is an outcomes measurement and accountability tool that enables the government to identify areas of improvement as well as challenges that still need to be addressed.

Whilst the action and outcomes contained in this Report are crucial components for supporting Victoria’s commitments to Treaty and Truth, please note that the Report does not include information on the implementation of Yoorrook Justice Commission recommendations, or on specific commitments relating to the Treaty process.

This Report was developed through a coordinated and collaborative approach with all Victorian Government departments and relevant agencies. Aboriginal Governance Forums and Ngaweeyan Maar-oo, the Koorie Caucus of Victoria’s Partnership Forum on Closing the Gap, also provided input.

Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework

The VAAF is Victoria’s guiding framework in First Peoples affairs. The vision of the VAAF is:

‘That all Aboriginal Victorian people, families and communities are healthy, safe, resilient, thriving and living culturally rich lives.’

The VAAF is organised under six domains:

• Children, family & home
• Learning & skills
• Opportunity & prosperity
• Heath & wellbeing
• Justice & safety
• Culture & Country

Under these, the VAAF sets out 20 goals that provide a clear definition of what the future should look like if we fulfil our vision. To track our progress, the VAAF includes 111 measures which tell us if we are going in the right direction.

The Report includes the most up-to-date available data across the VAAF’s measures. The Report also features case studies about the impact of reform and investment on the lives of First Peoples through policy and programs shaped by the Aboriginal Community Controlled sector.

All government departments and agencies are required to report annually on what they are doing to action the VAAF’s four self-determination enablers (Figure 1).

Examples of government actions to enable self-determination reform can be found under the relevant VAAF domain in this Report (identified by the relevant enabler symbol illustrated in figure 3).

About Data

Changes to the Victorian Government Ministry

The Hon Natalie Hutchins MP was the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples until 18 December 2025.

The Hon Ros Spence MP is now the Minister for First Peoples.

Data collection and limitations

This Report provides the latest available information about the Victorian Government’s performance against the 111 measures in the VAAF. It provides an assessment of progress based on available data. Historical data may have been updated since the last edition of the Report.

Data has been sourced from a range of Victorian and Commonwealth administrative collections and surveys. The latest year of available data varies across the Report due to inconsistent frequency of collection. Several measures do not have updated data available for inclusion in this Report. Updated data for these measures will be included in future reports once available.

Some of the data reported against the VAAF measures does not directly align with the measure definition due to the limitations of available data.

Crude rates

Due to the large array of data sources used to calculate progress against each measure, most rate calculations used in this Report are crude rates. Where age standardised rates have been used, this has been noted in the Report.

Closing the Gap data

The National Agreement’s 19 socioeconomic targets are national targets which require a collaborative approach from all jurisdictions to achieve them. National and state-level progress against these targets is included on the overview page for each relevant VAAF goal based on the latest available data. The Productivity Commission is the body responsible for collecting and publishing all jurisdictions’ data to assess the 19 Closing the Gap socioeconomic targets.

There are data gaps for some targets and many supporting indicators due to data collection processes and underreporting. Over time, as more data becomes available, the monitoring of the targets will provide greater insight into what progress is being made.

As Victoria is pursuing more ambitious and comprehensive goals under the VAAF, many VAAF measures do not have a counterpoint under the National Agreement for direct comparison.

Further information on national and jurisdictional progress towards the Closing the Gap targets, including data specifications, can be found at www.pc.gov.au/closing-the-gap-data/dashboard.

VAAF Data Dashboard

In line with the VAAF’s commitment to improve data access, transparency and narration, an interactive VAAF Data Dashboard (Data Dashboard) has been developed. The Data Dashboard can be accessed via the First Peoples–State Relations website at www.firstpeoplesrelations.vic.gov.au/victorian-aboriginal-affairs-framework-data-dashboard.

The Data Dashboard offers a user-friendly platform to access detailed state-level data. It also includes disaggregated data at sub-state level where available. While this Report is limited to the data available during the reporting cycle, the Data Dashboard will be updated to report on measures when new data becomes available.

Indigenous Data Sovereignty

The Victorian Government acknowledges the critical importance of Indigenous Data Sovereignty. Resourcing Aboriginal people and organisations to collect, analyse, disseminate and manage data supports self-determination. The Productivity Commission’s review of the National Agreement also highlights the importance of Indigenous Data Sovereignty as a key enabler of self-determination.

Victorian Aboriginal population

This Report uses revised population estimates for the Victorian Aboriginal cohort released in 2024 by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), based on 2021 Australian Census data. Estimates and projections presented in this release supersede estimates and projections based on earlier censuses. This includes back cast estimates for First Peoples between 2011 to 2020.

For this reason, historical data included in this Report and data tables may differ to previous reporting years. More information on revising population estimates can be found on the ABS website at www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples/understanding-change-counts-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-australians-census/latest-release.

Between the 2016 and 2021 Censuses, the number of people who self-identified as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander in Victoria grew from 47,788 to 65,646 (1.0 per cent of the total Victorian population).

Demographics

Based on the 2021 Census, 50 per cent of Aboriginal Victorians were under the age of 25.

Geography

Based on the 2021 Census, 50.5 per cent of Aboriginal Victorians lived in the greater Melbourne area. The Local Government Areas with the highest density Aboriginal population are located around regional centres, such as Greater Geelong, Greater Bendigo, Greater Shepparton and Mildura

Closing the Gap Priority Reform One: Formal Partnerships and Shared Decision-Making

Outcome: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are empowered to share decision-making authority with governments to accelerate policy and place-based progress on Closing the Gap through formal partnership arrangements.

Target: There will be formal partnership arrangements to support Closing the Gap in place between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and governments in place in each state and territory enshrining agreed joint decision-making roles and responsibilities and where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have chosen their own representatives.

Overview

The Victorian Government is committed to building and strengthening structures that empower Aboriginal people and communities to share decision-making authority, as outlined in the National Agreement.

Shared decision-making extends beyond individual partnership arrangements and is only a step towards achieving the ultimate goal of First Peoples’ self-determination.

Treaty is the embodiment of First Peoples’ self-determination, and it represents a fundamental reset of the relationship between the State and First Peoples. It provides a pathway to ensure that First Peoples in Victoria have the power and resources to control matters which impact their lives.

Victorian actions

Nginma Ngainga Wara acquits Victoria’s commitment under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap to create an independent accountability mechanism to provide concrete solutions and recommendations to improve outcomes for First Peoples. Nginma Ngainga Wara is a new Outcomes and Justice Commission within the First Peoples’ Assembly. It will evaluate and monitor how effective the Victorian Government is in achieving better outcomes for First Peoples. It will be led by members appointed by the First Peoples’ Assembly.

Victoria is the first jurisdiction in Australia to acquit this commitment under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

The Victorian Aboriginal Governance Forums are well-established strategic and coordinating bodies across various sectors. Aboriginal Governance Forums, which comprise senior Aboriginal community leaders and Victorian Government representatives, are responsible for overseeing the development, implementation and direction of Aboriginal-led policy and service delivery agendas. All Aboriginal Governance Forums are resourced to enable shared decision-making with Aboriginal communities and organisations.

Closing the Gap Priority Reform Two: Building the Aboriginal Community Controlled Sector

Outcome: There is a strong and sustainable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled sector delivering high quality services to meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the country.

Target: Increase the amount of government funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs and services going through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations.

Overview

Aboriginal Community Controlled services and Traditional Owner Corporations achieve better results, are more culturally safe, and employ more Aboriginal people than mainstream services. The Victorian Government is committed to building the Aboriginal Community Controlled sector and organisations in line with the strong sector elements in the National Agreement to deliver Closing the Gap services and programs, in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community control is an act of self-determination, as noted in Clause 44 of the National Agreement. Aboriginal Victorians hold the knowledge and expertise about what is best for themselves, their families and their communities. Local and international evidence shows us that self-determination is the policy approach that best delivers the most effective and sustainable outcomes for Indigenous peoples.

Victorian actions

Key actions contributing to the Priority Reform Two target include:

• DPC is facilitating seven ACCO-led projects delivered through Sector Strengthening funding totalling $3.3 million across the priority sectors of health, housing, disability, children and families, and languages and culture. These include:
  • Aboriginal Housing Victoria’s ‘Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness 5-year Regional Growth Plans’
  • Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative’s ‘Building the capacity of ACCOs to deliver a full range of culturally responsive, financially viable disability services’
  • Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation’s ‘Pathway to Closing the Gap in Social and Emotional Wellbeing for First Peoples living in Victoria (2024-2031)’
  • Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency’s ‘Developing a sector strengthening blueprint for Aboriginal children and families across Metropolitan Melbourne and Victoria’
  • Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative’s ‘Regional Oral Health Feasibility Study for the Western Districts ACCOs’
  • Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages’ ‘Strengthening the Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages, towards sector preparedness and strengthening development with focus on the revitalisation of Aboriginal languages in Victoria’
  • Federation of Traditional Owner Corporation’s ‘Development of a state-wide Traditional Owner Corporation Workforce Development Strategy’
• The Ngaweeyan Maar-oo Secretariat is working with members to allocate remaining funds for sector strengthening towards various initiatives in mid-2026.
• DTF and Homes Victoria administrate the Social Housing Growth Fund (SHGF). The SHGF provides funding opportunities for ACCOs to enable the construction and tenancy management of dwellings over a period of 30 years.
• DPC and DEECA worked with Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations (FVTOC) to engage KordaMentha to conduct an external review of how Traditional Owner Corporations are funded.
• DFFH is working alongside ACCOs to support the government’s response to Yoorrook Recommendation 9, which will better inform the proportion of funding in children and families service delivery in government, mainstream Community Service Organisations (CSOs) and ACCOs.
• DJCS is administering approximately $70 million in community grants funding (both Commonwealth and State) to improve Aboriginal justice outcomes – this is more than a three-fold increase from the approximately $20 million in AJA grants administered in 2021-22.

Closing the Gap Priority Reform Three: Transforming Government Organisations

Outcome: Improving mainstream institutions: Governments, their organisations and their institutions are accountable for Closing the Gap and are culturally safe and responsive to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including through the services they fund.

Target: Decrease in the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have experiences of racism.

Overview

Under the VAAF, SDRF, National Agreement and Victoria’s Implementation Plan, Victoria has committed to structural transformation of government organisations and mainstream service providers to respond to the needs of First Peoples. This means doing more to tackle systemic racism and promote cultural safety.

Victoria’s nation-leading work on Treaty and Truth is central to the transformation of government, the transfer of power and resources to communities and the improvement of outcomes.

Victorian action

Key actions contributing to the Priority Reform Three target include:

• DPC continues to support the Anti-Racism Taskforce and implementation of the Victorian Anti-Racism Strategy.
• In June 2025, DE released its policy on Preventing and Addressing Racism in Schools, outlining the requirements for schools to strengthen their culture and practice to prevent and address racism, religious intolerance and racial and religious vilification. DE also delivered an anti-racism e-learning course to 2,790 DE and school staff.
• DFFH continues to deliver Aboriginal Cultural Safety Workshops and Anti-Racism Workshops which are interactive, coaching style 2-hour development opportunities for all staff. 10 per cent of DFFH staff have completed the Aboriginal Cultural Safety Workshop and over 14 per cent of DFFH staff have completed the Anti-Racism Workshop.

Closing the Gap Priority Reform Four: Shared Access to Data and Information at a Regional level

Outcome: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have access to, and the capability to use, locally relevant data and information to set and monitor the implementation of efforts to close the gap, their priorities and drive their own development.

Target: Increase the number of regional data projects to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to make decisions about Closing the Gap and their development.

Overview

Victoria is working towards increasing Aboriginal ownership and control of data. This includes shared access to local and disaggregated data and information for Aboriginal communities and organisations. Indigenous Data Sovereignty is a key enabler of self-determination. By having greater access to and control of data and information, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People can make informed decisions so that they can meet the needs of their communities.

Victorian actions

Key actions contributing to the Priority Reform Four target include:

• In late 2025, the Traditional Owner Corporation Caucus (TOC Caucus) authorised DEECA to partner with FVTOC to co-design a process for a dedicated IDS Policy.
• Homes Victoria provides a deidentified disaggregated quarterly report on the social housing waitlist to the Victorian Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness Forum, focussed on the local area in which each Forum is held.
• DJCS facilitates standing updates to the Aboriginal Justice Forum which share data with members that is not otherwise publicly accessible. Youth Justice also provides quarterly regional data dashboards to each Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee (RAJAC), in accordance with the Wirkara Kulpa Performance Measurement Framework.

Our shared commitment

Families and Aboriginal child-rearing practices are fundamental to raising strong Aboriginal children and young people. Providing Aboriginal families with safe and effective services enables better outcomes.

Supporting Aboriginal children and families to be strong in culture and proud of their unique identity can ensure that every Aboriginal child has the best start in life.

This means ensuring Aboriginal children and families have access to culturally appropriate services throughout pregnancy and early childhood, and reducing the over-representation of Aboriginal young people in care.

Overview

The first five years of a child's life are fundamental to shaping their future. Delivering better maternal and early childhood services means removing barriers, promoting genuine and effective partnerships and supporting Aboriginal families to access culturally safe services.

Measures under Goal 1 have varied in performance

Aboriginal infant health has declined with low birth weight, preterm birth and perinatal mortality all increasing in between 2024 and 2025.

Aboriginal children are receiving more health support from Koorie maternity services and are being immunised at higher rates.

Goal 1 directly aligns with the following Closing the Gap Outcome and Target

Outcome 2: Aboriginal Children are born healthy and strong.

• Target 2: By 2031, increase the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies with a healthy birth weight to 91 per cent.

Closing the Gap - How Victoria is tracking nationally

Outcome 2: In 2023, 88.9 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies born were of a healthy birth weight across Australia. This is the same for the proportion in Victoria. Nationally and in Victoria, there has been no change since the baseline year (2017).

1.1 Improve maternal and infant health

Measure 1.1.1 Rate of low birth weight

What does the data say?

In 2023, 173 babies of Aboriginal mothers were born with low birth weight. This is 13.2 per cent of all babies of Aboriginal mothers born in Victoria.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

There were 35 more babies of Aboriginal mothers born with low birth weight in 2023 than 2022, and 45 more babies than 2014. This is an increase in the percentage of low birthweight babies of Aboriginal mothers compared to all babies of Aboriginal mothers by 2.4 percentage points. This represents a worsening of results.

How does this compare with non-Aboriginal results?

In 2023 4,822 non-Aboriginal babies were born with low birth weight. That is one fewer baby than in 2022. There were 400 fewer non-Aboriginal babies born with low birth weight than in 2014. Over the short and long term, the percentage of non-Aboriginal babies born with low birth weight has remained the same, around 6.7 per cent as recorded in 2023.

Measure 1.1.2 Rate of pre-term birth

What does the data say?

In 2023, 160 babies of Aboriginal mothers were born pre-term. This represents 12.2 per cent of all babies of Aboriginal mothers born in Victoria.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

There was one more baby born pre-term to Aboriginal mothers in 2023 than in 2022. During the same period, the percentage of babies born pre-term to Aboriginal mothers has remained the same. Over the long term, there were 19 more babies born pre-term to Aboriginal mothers in 2023 than in 2014.

Although the number has been increasing, the percentage of pre-term births for Aboriginal mothers has been decreasing over the long term. This indicates an improvement of results.

How does this compare with non-Aboriginal results?

In 2023, 5,695 babies of non-Aboriginal mothers were born pre-term. This is 7.9 per cent of all births to non-Aboriginal mothers in Victoria. That is 38 fewer babies born pre-term than in 2022, and 717 fewer than in 2014. Comparing the percentage of pre-term births for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal mothers, babies born to Aboriginal mothers are 1.5 times as likely to be born pre-term.

Measure 1.1.3 Rate for perinatal mortality

What does the data say?

In 2021–23, 42 babies of Aboriginal mothers died before birth or within 28 days of birth. This represents a rate of 10.8 babies of Aboriginal mothers per 1,000.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

Two more babies of Aboriginal mothers died before birth or within 28 days of birth in 2021-23 than in 2020–22. Over the long term, 10 more babies of Aboriginal mothers died before birth or within 28 days of birth than in 2014–16. These increases in the number of perinatal deaths have not resulted in a large increase in the rate of Aboriginal perinatal mortality per 1,000, which has remained steady.

How does this compare with non-Aboriginal results?

In 2021–23, 2,089 babies of non-Aboriginal mothers died before birth or within 28 days of birth. This represents a rate of 9.2 babies of non-Aboriginal mothers per 1,000.

In 2021-23, 37 fewer babies of non-Aboriginal mothers died before birth or within 28 days of birth than in 2020-22, and 132 fewer than in 2014–16. Since 2014-16, the rate of perinatal mortality for non-Aboriginal mothers per 1,000 has not changed significantly.

Measure 1.1.4 Smoking during pregnancy

What does the data say?

In 2023, 443 Aboriginal women smoked during their pregnancy. This represents 35.9 per cent of all pregnant Aboriginal women in Victoria.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

There were 19 fewer Aboriginal women who smoked during their pregnancy in 2023 than in 2022. This is a 1.8 per cent reduction in Aboriginal women smoking during pregnancy in this period.

Over the long term, 42 more Aboriginal women smoked during their pregnancy in 2023 than in 2014. Although that is an increased number, the percentage of Aboriginal women who smoked during pregnancy has declined by 5.2 percentage points over the decade. This is an improvement in results.

How does this compare with non-Aboriginal results?

In 2023 3,982 non-Aboriginal women smoked during their pregnancy. This represents 5.6 per cent of all pregnant non-Aboriginal women in Victoria. In the short term, the percentage of non-Aboriginal women smoking during pregnancy has not changed, but it has declined 3.9 per cent over the last decade.

When comparing the per cent of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal pregnant women. Aboriginal pregnant women are 6.4 times more likely to smoke during their pregnancy.

1.2 Children thrive in their first 1,000 days

Measure 1.2.1 Participation rates for Maternal and Child Health Key Ages and Stages Consultation

What does the data say?

In 2024-25, 14,911 Key Age Consultations were conducted with Aboriginal children across 10 key ages and stages. Of those, 1,805 were at the ‘home visit’ stage (within two weeks of a baby’s birth or arrival at home), 1,691 were at 2 weeks, 1,697 were at 4 weeks, 1,690 were at 8 weeks, 1,671 were at 4 months, 1,481 were at 8 months, 1,422 were at 12 months, 1,229 were at 18 months, 1,220 were at 2 years, and 1,005 were at 3.5 years.

Of the 10 key ages and stages, home visit had the highest participation rate for Aboriginal children, at 99.2 per cent. The 3.5-year visit had the lowest participation rate, at 58.4 per cent.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

Since 2023-24, the proportion of Aboriginal children participating in home visits and 2-week visits declined. In the same period, 4-week and 8-week visits remained steady, and participation in every other key age and stage visit increased.

Since 2015-16, the participation of Aboriginal children in all key ages and stages visits has increased. The largest increase is at the 4-month visit, with 21.9 per cent higher participation.

Increasing participation in key age consultations means this measure is improving.

How does this compare with non-Aboriginal results?

In 2024-25, Aboriginal children were less likely than all children to participate in key ages and stages consultations for home visit, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 4 months, 8 months, 12 months and 18 months.

Aboriginal children were as likely as all children to participate in 2-year and 3.5-year visits.

Measure 1.2.2 Attendance at Koori Maternal Health Service

What does the data say?

In 2024–25, 897 Aboriginal women attended Koori Maternity Services in Victoria. This is the highest number since 2018-19.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

In 2024-25, 27 more Aboriginal women attended Koori Maternity Services than in 2023-24. Over the long term, 412 more Aboriginal women attended Koori Maternity Services in 2024-25 than in 2018–19.

Increasing attendance at Koori Maternity Services means this measure is improving.

Measure 1.2.3 Immunisation rates at 12, 24, and 60 months

What does the data say?

In 2025, 90.8 per cent of Aboriginal 1-year-olds, 89.5 per cent of Aboriginal 2-year-olds and 95.6 per cent of Aboriginal 5-year-olds were immunised.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

Since 2024, the proportion of immunised Aboriginal 1- and 5-year-old children did not change.

In the same period, immunisation rates for Aboriginal 2-year-olds increased by 5.8 per cent. It should be noted that 2-year-old immunisation rates in 2024 were lower than previous years, making 2025 rates similar to historic figures.

How does this compare with non-Aboriginal results?

In 2025, 92.4 per cent of all 1-year-olds, 90.8 per cent of all 2-year-olds and 94.5 per cent of all 5-year-olds in Victoria were immunised. This means that Aboriginal 5-year-olds were as likely to be immunised than their peers. Aboriginal 1- and 2-year-olds were less likely to be immunised than their peers.

Measure 1.2.4 Participation in facilitated playgroups (0-5 years)

What does the data say?

In 2025, 555 Aboriginal children (0-5 years old) participated in Supported Playgroups (SPG). This represented 5.4 per cent of all Aboriginal children in Victoria.

In 2025, 591 Aboriginal children participated in Koorie Supported Playgroups (KSPG). This represented 5.8 per cent of Aboriginal children.

SPG and KSPG are free programs for Victorian families facing disadvantage with children from birth to school age. A qualified facilitator leads these sessions where parents develop their skills and confidence to support their child’s wellbeing and development.

KSPG are specifically tailored for Aboriginal families, fostering cultural safety, strengthening community connections, building parenting confidence and providing culturally appropriate early intervention. KSPG are delivered by ACCOs statewide.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

There were 92 fewer Aboriginal children participating in SPG in 2025 than in 2024. Although this is a reduction in numbers, the percentage of Aboriginal children participating has not changed. In 2025, 369 more Aboriginal children participated in SPG than in 2017, representing a 1.1 percentage point increase in the proportion of Aboriginal children participating in SPG.

In contrast, 206 more Aboriginal children participated in KSPG in 2025 than in 2024. The proportion of Aboriginal children participating in KSPG rose by 2 percentage points in that period. There were 362 more Aboriginal children participating in KSPG in 2025 than in 2019. This represents 3.1 percentage point increase in the proportion of Aboriginal children participating.

How does this compare with non-Aboriginal results?

In 2025, Aboriginal children’s participation in facilitated playgroups was higher than non-Aboriginal children in Victoria.

In 2025, 1,146 Aboriginal children participated in either an SPG or KSPG. This represents 11.2 per cent of Aboriginal children in Victoria (5.4 per cent SPG and 5.8 per cent KSPG). In comparison, 16,399 children participated in a SPG in 2025. This represents 3.5 per cent of all children in Victoria.

KSPG is a facilitated playgroup designed and delivered by ACCOs to Aboriginal children only.

Goal 1 – Victorian Government Investment and Action

Maternal and child health

Aboriginal Maternal and Child Health (MCH) program

Throughout 2025, DH continued to fund the Aboriginal MCH program, supporting 15 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) operating across 17 sites. This includes funding for Aboriginal MCH service delivery; additional funding to boost flexible support to meet the growing Aboriginal population; and funding to enable staff to undertake lactation training and provide lactation support.

MCH Key Ages and Stages (KAS) consultations

Access to healthcare in the early stages of life is essential for achieving better health outcomes later on. MCH KAS consultations are provided free of charge to all Victorian children from birth to school age.

Koorie Maternity Services

Throughout 2024-25, DH continued to fund Koori Maternity Services (KMS), supporting 11 ACCHOs and three sites in public hospitals. This included funding for service delivery and funding to enable staff to undertake lactation training and provide lactation support.

KMS have continued to provide culturally safe care for First Nations women and families throughout the maternity journey, supported by multidisciplinary teams including (but not limited to) Aboriginal Health Practitioners, Aboriginal Health Workers and midwives.

Baluk Balert Barring

In 2024-25, $697,033 was provided to support Victoria’s first Aboriginal-dedicated Early Parenting Centre (EPC), Baluk Balert Barring. Operated by First Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing, the EPC opened in Frankston in October 2024 and delivers culturally safe and responsive antenatal and early parenting supports to Aboriginal women and families with children up to primary school age.

Virtual Hospital Pilot

DH has commenced a Virtual Hospital Pilot to test the delivery of admitted inpatient care in home or remote settings. As part of this, the Royal Women’s Hospital (RWH) is trialling a remote foetal medicine service, in which clinicians from the RWH will provide consultation and support to patients in regional Victoria with suspected foetal concern or complex pregnancies, seeking to prioritise care for First Nations women.

The aim is to improve access to care and reduce the number of patients who need to travel to Melbourne. This pilot service commenced in early 2026.

Safer Care Victoria

Safer Care Victoria has partnered with Women’s Healthcare Australasia for Phase 2 of the National Preterm Birth Prevention Collaborative, building on the learning from the ‘Every Week Counts’ Collaborative (2022-2024), with the aim of reducing pre-term and early-term birth by 20 per cent among participating Victorian maternity services by June 2026. There are four Victorian health services participating in Phase 2 of this work.

Phase 2 of the collaborative places a strong emphasis on partnering with First Nations communities to deliver culturally safe preterm birth prevention care. This work is vital in supporting improved health outcomes for First Nations women and babies.

Partnering with KMS and ACCHOs delivers culturally connected care that enhances protective factors and improves health outcomes for First Nations women and babies. Safer Care Victoria, in collaboration with the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, is supporting sites to build strong partnerships with their local ACCHOs and KMS.

Co-design of culturally safe perinatal services

Through the co-design of culturally safe perinatal emotional wellbeing screening practices. Aboriginal health practitioners have contributed as members of the Expert Advisory Group, while practitioners and parents have participated in co-design workshops, focus groups and surveys. This collaborative process has helped develop screening practices that are responsive to the needs and lived experiences of Aboriginal communities, with Aboriginal perspectives and leadership incorporated.

Records

Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria (BDM)

In Victoria, children require a birth registration and a legal birth certificate issued by BDM to establish their identity, enrol in early childhood education and for immunisation processes and in turn, support children to thrive.

In 2024-25, BDM delivered targeted initiatives to increase the number of birth registrations and birth certificate possession for Aboriginal children born in Victoria. Initiatives focused on workforce education, sector engagement and place-based community outreach.

As part of this work, BDM delivered information sessions on registering a birth and applying for birth certificates, both at the time of birth and later in a child’s life. Sessions were tailored for ACCO, MCH and Early Childhood Education providers—aiming to increase the workforce’s awareness of and access to BDM resources, so that community professionals can better support parents and families in navigating and completing registration and application processes.

In 2024-25, BDM also participated in Community Justice Days, NAIDOC events and Bring Your Bills Days, providing face-to-face assistance in regional areas of Victoria, including the Mallee region and Gippsland. BDM worked collaboratively with Aboriginal organisations to educate and support parents with registering the birth of their child(ren) and applying for a certificate. Applicants with complex or intersecting needs – for example, family violence, homelessness or socio-economic disadvantage – were provided with tailored assistance, including access to a fee waiver (see Domain 4 for further detail about BDM’s Fee Waiver policy).

BDM delivered a series of Community Outreach Days to First Nations communities in regional Victoria. Community Outreach Days were on-site, tailored to community need, provided culturally safe assistance to complete Birth Registration Statements (BRS), resolved outstanding BRS and improved access to essential services through digital applications.

Community Outreach Days also focussed on building ACCO capacity to support parents and families in completing online registrations and applications – a pathway that is more efficient than the paper-based or manual process. This included staff training, document readiness support and practical tools to enhance digital inclusion, to enable ACCOs to deliver tailored, self-determined support.

In collaboration with the Australian Bureau of Statistics, DGS reviewed how births, deaths and marriages data can be used to improve how Victoria assesses performance against Closing the Gap targets.

As a result, the BDM data analytics were enhanced to improve reporting on the number of First Peoples born in Victoria and their access to birth registration processes. BDM death data also contributes to work on life expectancy.

Overview

Culture, language and connection to community and Country all support children and young people to thrive. Community-led responses that focus on prevention and early intervention are critical for reducing the number of Aboriginal children and young people in child protection and care.

Measures under Goal 2 have worsened

More Aboriginal children and young people are in the care system, but fewer are in care with a cultural plan. Most Aboriginal children in the care system are in the care of relatives or kin and more children on a protection order are under the direct authority of an ACCO in 2024-25.

There are more Aboriginal children reunified with their parents within 12 months but also more children returning to the care system within 12 months.

Goal 2 directly aligns with the following Closing the Gap Outcome and Target

Outcome 12: Aboriginal children are not over-represented in the child protection system.

• Target 12: By 2031, reduce the rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out of home care by 45 per cent.

Closing the Gap - How Victoria is tracking nationally

Outcome 12: In 2024, the rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 0–17 years in out of home care was 50.3 per 1,000 children across Australia, compared to 90.5 per 1,000 children in Victoria. Nationally and in Victoria, these rates are worsening compared to the baseline year (2019).

2.1 Eliminate the over-representation of Aboriginal children and young people in care

Measure 2.1.1 Rate and number of children and young people in care

What does the data say?

In 2024–25, there were 3,047 Aboriginal children in out of home care in Victoria. This is a rate of 95.8 children per 1,000.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

There were 180 more Aboriginal children in out of home care in 2024-25 than in 2023-24, and 1,171 more than in 2015-26. When looking at the rate per 1,000 children, this figure has grown by 15.9 in the last decade, from 79.9 in 2015–16. The rate of Aboriginal children in out of home care has been increasing since 2017–18.

How does this compare with non-Aboriginal results?

In 2024–25, 6,350 non-Aboriginal children were in out of home care in Victoria. This is a rate of 4.4 children per 1,000. Aboriginal children were 21.8 times more likely to be in out of home care than their non-Aboriginal peers in 2024-25.

Over the long term, the rate of non-Aboriginal children in out of home care has remained relatively stable. In 2017-18, it was 4.3 per 1,000.

Measure 2.1.2 Number of children engaged with intensive family support services

What does the data say?

In 2024–25, there were 2,401 Aboriginal children engaged with intensive family support services. This is the highest number since 2007-08. Aboriginal children represent 27.8 per cent of all children in Victoria engaging with intensive family support services.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

In 2024-25, there were 359 more Aboriginal children engaged with intensive family support services than in 2023-24. There were 1,805 more Aboriginal children engaged than in 2015-16.

This improvement is due to increased investment in intensive family support services over the last 10 years, meaning that more families are able to access the support they need.

How does this compare with non-Aboriginal results?

In 2024–25, 6,233 non-Aboriginal children engaged with intensive family support services. This is a decrease of 132 since 2021-22. In comparison, since 2021-22 the number of Aboriginal families receiving a service has increased by 425 families.

2.2 Increase Aboriginal care, guardianship and management of Aboriginal children and young people in care

Measure 2.2.1 Number and proportion of Aboriginal children and young people in care placed with i) relatives/kin and ii) other Aboriginal carers

What does the data say?

In 2024–25, 2,524 Aboriginal children were placed with relatives/kin or other Aboriginal carers. Of those, 40.7 per cent were placed with Aboriginal relatives/kin and 40.2 per cent were placed with non-Aboriginal relatives/kin. This means that most Aboriginal children in care were placed with relatives/kin.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

There were 42 more Aboriginal children placed with Aboriginal relatives/kin in 2024-25 than in 2023–24. In the same period, 107 more children were placed with non-Aboriginal relatives/kin and 10 more were placed with an Aboriginal carer. The proportion of children placed with Aboriginal relatives/kin reduced in the same period. There were 1.1 percentage point fewer children placed with Aboriginal relatives and kin and 1.2 percentage point more children placed with non-Aboriginal relatives/kin. One fewer child was placed with a non-Aboriginal carer, and 18 more children were placed with residential care or a family group home.

Since 2015–16 where an Aboriginal child is placed in the care system has changed. Since 2015-16 less children, as a percentage, have been placed with Aboriginal relative/kin. Other Aboriginal carer, Other Non–Aboriginal carer with the largest change being 10.4 percentage point less children were placed with other non-Aboriginal carers. At the same time more Aboriginal children, as a percentage, are being placed with non–Aboriginal relative/kin, and residential care or family group homes with non–Aboriginal relative/kin increasing 12.4 percentage points. As these percentages are a calculation using the total number of Aboriginal children in care, we can interpret that over the decade Aboriginal children have been diverted from other non–Aboriginal carers to non–Aboriginal relatives/kin.

While being placed with non-Aboriginal relatives/kin is preferable to being placed in residential care, the long-term lack of growth for children being placed with Aboriginal relatives/kin means that this measure is worsening.

Measure 2.2.2 Number and proportion of Aboriginal children and young people in care with a cultural plan

What does the data say?

In 2024–25, 1,268 Aboriginal children in care had a cultural plan. This represents 65 per cent of all Aboriginal children in care in Victoria.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

There were 131 fewer Aboriginal children in care with a cultural plan in 2024-25 than in 2023-24. This is a drop of 9.4 percentage points in the proportion of all Aboriginal children in care.

Over the long term, 586 more Aboriginal children in care had a cultural plan in 2024-25 than in 2015-16. This is an increase of 85.9 percentage points in the proportion of all Aboriginal children in care. This means that over the long term, this measure is improving.

In the short term, the decline in the number of children with a cultural plan can be attributed to changes DFFH has implemented to record cultural plan compliance. DFFH is working with ACCOs to improve timeliness and accuracy of cultural plan recording through cultural planning revision in 2026.

Measure 2.2.3 Number and proportion of Aboriginal children and young people in care on contractable orders managed by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs)

What does the data say?

In 2024–25, 599 Aboriginal children were on a contractable order managed by an ACCO. A contractable order means that the child is being case managed by the ACCO for their time in care. This represents 36 per cent of all Aboriginal children in care who were on a contractable order managed by an ACCO.

This measure refers to Aboriginal children on Children’s Court protection orders where DFFH has contracted case management to an ACCO. This data excludes Aboriginal children on Children’s Court protection orders where the Secretary, DFFH, has delegated functions and powers to an ACCO through Section 18 of the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic) (known as the Aboriginal Children in Aboriginal Care Program), reflected in Measure 2.2.4.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

There were 173 fewer Aboriginal children on a contractable order managed by an ACCO in 2024-25 than in 2023–24. This is a 7 percentage point decline in the proportion of all Aboriginal children in care on a contractable order managed by an ACCO.

In the long term, there were 466 more Aboriginal children on a contractable order managed by an ACCO in 2024-25 than in 2015-16. This is a 27.3 percentage point increase in the proportion of all Aboriginal children in care. The short-term decrease in contractable orders managed by an ACCO means results for this measure are worsening (noting increases in Measure 2.2.4, where ACCOs are increasingly accepting Aboriginal children and young people under Section 18).

Measure 2.2.4 Number and proportion of Aboriginal children and young people on protection orders under the direct authority of an ACCO (Section 18)

What the data say?

In 2024–25, 499 Aboriginal children on protection orders were under the direct authority of an ACCO. This represents 14.9 per cent of all Aboriginal children on a protection order in Victoria.

Section 18 of the Children, Youth and Families Act 2025 (Vic) enables the Secretary, DFFH, to delegate certain legal functions and powers to the Principal Officer of an approved ACCO. The Principal Officer must be an Aboriginal person.

This measure refers to Aboriginal children on Children’s Court protection orders where Section 18 has been applied.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

Since 2023–24, the number of Aboriginal children on protection orders under authority of an ACCO rose by 191. In 2024-25, Aboriginal children on protection orders were as likely to be under the authority of an ACCO than ever before. The long-term increase in Aboriginal children and young people on protection orders under the direct authority of an ACCO means that this measure is improving.

2.3 Increase family reunification for Aboriginal children and young people in care

Measure 2.3.1 Number of children and young people reunified with parent(s) within 12 months of admission to care as a proportion of all Aboriginal children and young people admitted into care

What does the data say?

In 2024–25, 579 Aboriginal children in care were reunified with their parents within 12 months of admission to care. This represents 65 per cent of all Aboriginal children admitted to care in that period.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

Since 2023–24, the number of Aboriginal children reunited with their parents within 12 months rose by 86, from 493 children. This also means that the proportion of children reunified increased from 57 per cent in 2023–24 to 65 per cent in 2024–25. The proportion of reunifications for Aboriginal children is the highest since 2015-16. This is an improvement of results.

How does this compare with non-Aboriginal results?

In 2024–25, 2,480 non-Aboriginal children in care were reunified with their parents within 12 months of admission to care. This represents 60.8 per cent of all non-Aboriginal children admitted to care in that period.

Aboriginal children are more likely to be reunified with their parents within 12 months of admission to care than their non-Aboriginal peers.

Measure 2.3.2 Number of Aboriginal children and young people who exit care and do not return to care within 12 months as a proportion of all Aboriginal children and young people who exit care

What does the data say?

In 2024–25, 801 Aboriginal children exited care. Of those, 643 did not return within 12 months. This represents 80.3 per cent of all Aboriginal children who exited care in that period.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

In the short term, the proportion of Aboriginal children who did not return to care within 12 months has dropped, from 83.1 per cent in 2023-24. Since 2015–16, the proportion of Aboriginal children who did not return to care within 12 months has increased, up from 72.1 per cent. This represents an improvement of results over the long term.

How does this compare with non-Aboriginal results?

In 2024–25, 2,428 non-Aboriginal children exited care, of which 2,144 did not return within 12 months. This represents 88.3 per cent of all non-Aboriginal children who exited care.

Aboriginal children are more likely to return to care within 12 months than their non-Aboriginal peers.

Goal 2 – Victorian Government Investment and Action

Children, youth and family

Overview

Family violence has a disproportionate impact on Aboriginal people in Victoria, particularly women and children, regardless of whether they live in rural, regional or urban areas. Aboriginal communities in Victoria have consistently led the way in developing strategic priorities and actions to prevent family violence.

Measures under Goal 3 have worsened

Family violence incidents and affected family members have increased. This has coincided with more notifications to child protection where family violence is identified.

The proportion of Aboriginal adults who ran out of food and could not afford to buy more has also increased in 2025.

Goal 3 directly aligns with the following Closing the Gap Outcomes and Targets

Outcome 9: Aboriginal people secure appropriate, affordable housing that is aligned with their priorities and needs.

• Target 9: By 2031, increase the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in appropriately sized (not overcrowded) housing to 88 per cent.

Outcome 13: Aboriginal families and households are safe.

• Target 13: By 2031, the rate of all forms of family violence and abuse against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children is reduced at least by 50 per cent, as progress towards zero.

Closing the Gap - How Victoria is tracking nationally

Outcome 9: In 2021, 81.4 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were living in appropriately sized (not overcrowded) housing across Australia, compared to 88.8 per cent in Victoria. Nationally, based on progress from the baseline year (2016), Target 9A shows improvement but is not on track to be met.

While Victoria has reached the national target threshold, data collection methodologies do not adequately capture the circumstances of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. The Victorian Government has commenced a process to set its own homelessness target to measure and respond to the specific needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria.

Target 9B, which aims to ensure Aboriginal communities receive essential services that meet or exceed jurisdictional standards, is not able to be reported against as there is no data source currently available that includes all required data elements.

Outcome 13: In 2018–19, 8.4 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander females, aged 15 years and over, experienced domestic physical or threatened physical harm across Australia, compared to 7.5 per cent in Victoria. This target relies on National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey data. No new data is available since the baseline year (2018–19).

3.1 Reduce the incidence and impact of family violence affecting Aboriginal families

Measure 3.1.1 Number and proportion of family violence incident reports involving an Aboriginal other party; and proportion of those who were the subject of a previous family incident report¹ and proportion of those who were the subject of a previous family incident report

What does the data say?

In 2024, there were 9,024 Aboriginal other parties recorded for family violence incident reports. Of those, 8,055 (89.3 per cent) were a repeat incident.

Of the 9,024 other parties, 3,519 (39 per cent) were charged. Repeat incidence accounted for 3,357 of those charges.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

Since 2023, the number of Aboriginal other parties recorded has increased by 1,760. Since 2015, it has increased by 4,220.

The number of reported family violence incidents which involved repeat incidence, and where charges were laid, have increased alongside the number of reports overall.

How does this compare with non-Aboriginal results?

In 2024, there were 92,907 non-Aboriginal other parties recorded for family violence incident reports. Of those, 69,464 (74.8 per cent) were a repeat incident.

Of the 92,907 family violence incident reports with non-Aboriginal other parties, 28,114 (30.3 per cent) resulted in charges. Repeat incidence accounted for 69,464 of those charges.

_{1. In family incident reporting, the ‘other party’ is the person deemed to be the predominant aggressor. This could be a current partner, former partner or a family member.}

Measure 3.1.2 Number and proportion of family violence incident reports involving an Aboriginal affected family member; and proportion of those who were the subject of a previous family incident report², and proportion of those who were the subject of a previous family incident report

What does the data say?

In 2024, there were 7,087 Aboriginal affected family members recorded for family violence incident reports. Of those, 6,023 (85 per cent) were a repeat incident.

Of the 7,087 incidents with Aboriginal affected family members, 2,410 (34 per cent) resulted in charges. Repeat incidence accounted for 2,228 of those charges.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

Since 2023, the number of Aboriginal affected family members recorded has increased by 1,093. Since 2015, it has increased by 2,944.

The number of reported family violence incidents which involved repeat incidence, and where charges were laid, have increased alongside the number of reports overall.

How does this compare with non-Aboriginal results?

In 2024, there were 93,631 non-Aboriginal affected family members recorded for family violence incident reports. Of those, 66,496 (71 per cent) were a repeat incident.

Of the 93,631 family violence incident reports with non-Aboriginal affected family members, 28,794 (30.7 per cent) resulted in charges. 24,200 of those charges were for repeat incidences.

^{2. In family violence incident reporting, the ‘affected family member’ is someone deemed to be most harmed and affected by events occurring during the incident.}

Measure 3.1.3 Number and proportion of notifications to child protection for children and young people where family violence is identified

What does the data say?

In 2024–25, family violence was identified in 8,162 child protection notifications for Aboriginal families. This accounts for 51.9 per cent of all child protection notifications for Aboriginal families.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

Since 2023–24, the number of notifications where family violence has been identified has increased by 1,542. The proportion of notifications where family violence has been identified has also increased by 7 percentage points, up from 44.9 per cent.

Since 2015–16, the number of notifications where family violence has been identified has increased by 2,651. The proportion of notifications where family violence has been identified has decreased by 3 percentage points, from 54.9 per cent.

Both the increase in number and the increase in proportion of notifications where family violence is identified over the short term means that results are not improving for this measure.

How does this compare with non-Aboriginal results?

In 2024–25, family violence was identified in 58,443 child protections notifications for non-Aboriginal families.

3.2 Increase income and housing security for Aboriginal households

Measure 3.2.1 Proportion of adults who ran out of food in the previous 12 months and couldn’t afford to buy more

What does the data say?

In 2024, 38.7 per cent of Aboriginal adults ran out of food and could not afford to buy more.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

More Aboriginal adults ran out of food in 2024 than in 2023. In 2023, 26.0 per cent of Aboriginal adults ran out of food, a 12.7 percentage point increase in food insecurity within a year. Since 2017, food insecurity for Aboriginal adults has increased by 22.9 percentage points.

How does this compare with non-Aboriginal results?

In 2024, Aboriginal adults were 3 times more likely to run out of food than their non-Aboriginal peers. While non-Aboriginal food insecurity has also grown, it has been by less. In 2024, 12.8 per cent of non-Aboriginal adults ran out of food and could not afford to buy more. This was an increase from 2023 and 2017 of 7.7 per cent and 6.1 per cent respectively.

Measure 3.2.4 Proportion of Victorians accessing homelessness services

What does the data say?

In 2024–25, 14,032 Aboriginal people in Victoria accessed homelessness services. This accounted for 17.0 per cent of all Aboriginal people living in Victoria.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

Since 2023–24, 1,207 more Aboriginal people accessed homelessness services. This means the proportion of Aboriginal people accessing homelessness services has decreased in the short term.

Since 2015–16, 5,955 more Aboriginal people accessed homelessness services. This means the proportion of Aboriginal people accessing homeless services has increased by 2.9 percentage points over the decade.

It is difficult to assess whether this measure is improving or declining. Increase in access to homelessness services could mean that more people are accessing the services they need, or it could mean that more people require those services who did not need it before.

How does this compare with non-Aboriginal results?

In 2024–25, 87,554 non-Aboriginal people in Victoria accessed homelessness services. This accounted for 1.4 per cent of the non-Aboriginal population. Since 2015–16, while the number of non-Aboriginal people accessing homelessness services has increased by 5,472, the percentage of the population has not increased. In 2024–25, Aboriginal Victorians were 12.6 times more likely to access homelessness services than their non-Aboriginal peers.

Goal 3 – Victorian Government Investment and Action

Family violence

Dhelk Dja - Safe Our Way: Strong Culture, Strong Peoples, Strong Families (Dhelk Dja)

Dhelk Dja is the key Aboriginal-led Victorian Agreement that commits the signatories – Aboriginal communities, Aboriginal services and government – to work together and be accountable for ensuring that Aboriginal people, families and communities are stronger, safer, thriving and living free from family violence. Dhelk Dja is built upon the foundation of Aboriginal self-determination.

In 2024, implementation of the second Three-Year Action Plan under the Dhelk Dja Agreement (the Plan) continued. The Plan was publicly released in April 2024 by the Minister for Prevention of Family Violence.

The Plan includes 116 activities to be delivered by DFFH, DE, DJCS and Victoria Police across the five strategic priority areas of the Dhelk Dja Agreement. The Plan also aligns strongly to Victoria’s commitment to deliver on Target 13 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

The following department led activities were marked as completed for Dhelk Dja Koori Caucus endorsement in 2025:

• Strengthening resources and support for ACCOs and Dhelk Dja Action Groups to restore culture in a strengths-based way.
• Development of Aboriginal measures of success in Aboriginal-led prevention and family violence funded activities.
• Activities related to data for Aboriginal family violence service users.

Aboriginal family violence and sexual assault services funding

The Victorian Government has significantly increased funding to ACCOs for family violence and sexual assault service delivery from approximately $5.2 million in 2017–18 to approximately $83 million in 2024–25. This funding represents approximately 13 per cent of total family violence service delivery funding provided across Victoria in 2024-25. DFFH is committed to ensuring that funding and service agreements support self-determination by ensuring alignment to the Dhelk Dja 10-Year Agreement’s vision and strategic priorities. Family Safety Victoria has consistently set a target that at least 10 per cent of all new funding is provided to ACCOs. This practice was formalised as an action in the third action plan under Ending family violence: Victoria’s plan for change.

The 2023/24 State Budget committed $31 million to maintain Aboriginal-led family and sexual violence service delivery. A component of this budget outcome includes $6.1 million per annum in ongoing funding to Aboriginal frontline family violence services. DFFH is working with Aboriginal-led groups, the Dhelk Dja Koori Caucus and the ACCO Family Violence Sector Forum, to implement a self-determined, phased funding approach that includes service development, baseline, and equity (weighted demand) components.

Aboriginal Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) 2024-25

In May 2025, funding of $1.1 million was allocated by the 11 Dhelk Dja Action Group regions to 27 culturally appropriate, place-based community-led projects dedicated to preventing and responding to family violence in Victorian Aboriginal communities. Examples of CIF funded projects include:

• a local Aboriginal women’s group to support victim-survivors to build on their confidence and connect with each other
• a two-day ‘hoops against violence’ basketball event and community sports day working with young people impacted by family violence
• a Neernan (gathering) for Elders to raise awareness of elder abuse and yarn about solutions to prevent family violence.

The CIF has been operating for over 20 years and has funded more than 404 projects over the past decade.

Aboriginal Access Points

Staffed by an Aboriginal workforce, Aboriginal Access Points support Aboriginal women, children, men and families to navigate the family violence service system.

Implementation of the Aboriginal Access Points is a key deliverable of the first Dhelk Dja 3-Year Action Plan 2019–2022. Two Aboriginal Access Points have been servicing the Barwon and Bayside Peninsula areas since 2023. The Aboriginal Access Points are designed to be culturally safe and culturally responsive, underpinned by self-determination, and provide an Aboriginal-led service choice for Victorian Aboriginal communities. A third site was established in the Mallee area in October 2025.

Aboriginal Sexual Assault Services

In May 2024, Victoria’s Strengthening Women’s Safety Package provided additional investment to Aboriginal sexual assault services over three years to ensure that Aboriginal people who are victim survivors of sexual assault, including Aboriginal children and young people, can access culturally safe and appropriate holistic services delivered by Aboriginal-led services.

DFFH has worked with the Aboriginal Sexual Assault Working Group to collectively determine how the investment will be implemented. The working group is Aboriginal-led, and membership consists of the four ACCOs delivering the sexual assault services to Community. In 2024-25, the Working Group engaged in a series of workshops to determine the implementation approach that provided a boost to existing service delivery commencing in 2025-26 and will support expansion to an additional site in 2027-28.

The services align to Nargneit Birrang, the Aboriginal-led and co-designed statewide family violence holistic healing framework for Aboriginal communities across Victoria. Nargneit Birrang describes what Aboriginal holistic healing is, why healing is needed and how healing works to heal family violence and associated trauma including sexual assault for Aboriginal people.

Perpetrator responses - Aboriginal-led fathering project

The Family Domestic Sexual Violence National Partnership 2023-25 included funding to engage two ACCOs to design and deliver a program for Aboriginal fathers who have used family violence.

Following an invited submission process, Yoowinna Wurnalung Aboriginal Healing Service, on the land of the Gunaikurnai People (Outer Gippsland), and Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative in the Greater Shepparton region were allocated funding in 2025 to undertake these projects.

Rumbalara commenced delivering its program in late 2025. The program creates a space for Aboriginal fathers to heal, change their behaviour and strengthen their relationships with family and community through cultural connection, therapeutic support and peer mentorship. It provides a combination of group work, individual therapeutic sessions and cultural activities on country.

Yoowinna Wurnalung will be commencing its program in early 2026 and will build on its existing Men’s Behaviour Change Program and its Building Strong Dads Yarning Together program. The fathering program will also provide both group work and individual therapeutic case work, providing mental health and wellbeing support.

Both programs will also safely connect with and ensure appropriate supports are provided to victim survivors.

Perpetrator responses - Brokerage funding to ACCOs to provide accommodation-based responses

Victoria’s Strengthening Women’s Safety Package included brokerage funding for alternative accommodation for people using family violence, to enable victim survivors to remain safely at home.

Funding was allocated to ACCOs in 2025. Brokerage will complement the programs delivered by ACCOs to support people using violence to heal and be accountable for their harmful behaviour, including case management, Time Out, Holistic Healing and Men’s Behaviour Change Programs.

Housing

Mana-na woorn-tyeen maar-takoort: Every Aboriginal Person Has a Home

Mana-na woorn-tyeen maar-takoort, the Victorian Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness Framework (VAHHF), released in 2020, provides a 20-year plan to guide policy reform in responding to specific housing needs for Aboriginal Victorians. The VAHHF provides the vehicle for the sector to work together with the Victorian Government to deliver on Aboriginal self-determination by transitioning power and responsibility to community to determine the approaches required to address housing and homelessness.

The Victorian Government is committed to supporting the governance arrangements for the Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness sector to progress the strategic objectives of VAHHF. This includes the VAHHF Implementation Working Group (IWG), Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness Forum (AHHF) and Blueprint Steering Committee, which have Aboriginal organisation representation, and the VAHHF Interdepartmental Committee.

The “Blueprint for an Aboriginal-specific homelessness system” (the Blueprint) was developed in 2022 to support the vision and principles of strategic goal four ‘an Aboriginal focused homelessness system’ in the VAHHF. The Blueprint extends the work of the VAHHF, and its deliverables include:

• Establishing an Aboriginal-specific homelessness system that is culturally safe.
• Providing tailored support for those who are homeless or at high risk.
• Increasing the supply of crisis and transitional housing for First Peoples.

The Blueprint Steering Committee oversees numerous priorities including:

• Aboriginal Homelessness Entry Points (Entry Points), which provide access to Aboriginal-led and culturally appropriate Aboriginal homelessness services in the Bayside Peninsula, Melbourne CBD and in the Barwon Region. All sites are fully operational, providing Intake Assessment and Planning (IAP), case management and multidisciplinary team support and brokerage. As of 30 June 2025, both Entry Points provided IAP services to approximately 960 clients.
• The Aboriginal Homes First Program, which commenced on 1 July 2025. Ngwala Willumbong Aboriginal Corporation and Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative are delivering the Aboriginal Homes First program as an extension of their Homelessness Entry Point service. As of 24 November 2025, 18 support packages from a total of 24 have been allocated.
• Funding of $16.1 million over four years allocated to Aboriginal homelessness reform as part of the 2024/25 State Budget. Aligning with self-determination and led by the AHHF, ACCOs were funded to deliver place-based homelessness service response.

Supports for vulnerable First Peoples

As part of the Big Housing Build, the Victorian Government has invested $50 million to deliver over 130 new homes for young people to address youth homelessness. This investment includes three Village 21 sites which will accommodate and support young First Peoples leaving care, and/or those at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

Two of the Village 21 sites will be delivered as partnerships between Kids Under Cover and ACCOs in Shepparton (Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative) and Bairnsdale (Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-operative). Both sites are anticipated to become operational by mid-2026.

The Aboriginal Corrections Housing Pathways Initiative pilot is designed to provide self-determined pre and post release housing support response for First People who are currently incarcerated or recently released from custody. The program is currently funded and available in the Mallee (until November 2026) and North-East Metropolitan regions (until June 2026).

The Aboriginal Private Rental Assistance Program (APRAP) commenced in 2020 with more than 2,000 First Peoples households have receiving support and around 70 per cent successfully finding or keeping their housing, In March 2025, the Victorian Government announced more than $17 million in additional funding to continue the Aboriginal Private Rental Assistance Program to 2028. The following are the providers for APRAP:

• The Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency
• The Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Limited,
• Ngwala Willumbong Aboriginal Corporation
• Murray Vallay Aboriginal Co-operative,
• Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-operative
• Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative
• Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative.

Strengthening cultural safety in the housing and homelessness sector

The Victorian Government is leading and commissioning two significant streams of work to improve Aboriginal cultural safety in the public housing, community housing and homelessness systems. These include:

• The Social Housing Regulation Review (SHRR) Final Report (commissioned by the Victorian Government and released publicly in 2024). The Review emphasised the importance of shifting to a more renter focused, transparent, and culturally safe housing system. The Victorian Housing Registrar, in consultation with the AHHF, has developed a new Aboriginal cultural safety standard with the aim to implement in mid-2026
• The Strengthening Cultural Safety initiative. Funding of $230,000 has been provided to both Community Housing Industry Association Victoria (CHIA Vic) and Council to Homeless Persons (CHP) to work with the Aboriginal housing and homelessness sector to design and deliver programs that will strengthen cultural safety practice in the mainstream sector in line with existing cultural safety frameworks for the community housing and specialist homelessness sectors.

First Peoples social housing demand and supply

In 2024, Homes Victoria continued the delivery of major housing reforms supporting Aboriginal Victorians through the $5.3 billion Big Housing Build (BHB), announced in November 2020. The BHB includes a commitment that 10 per cent of all net new social housing supports Aboriginal housing needs, equating to an 820-dwelling target.

In addition to the BHB, further funding for housing was announced. This included:

• $496.5 million of Commonwealth funding that supported the delivery of the Social Housing Accelerator Program (SHAP). Of this, 10 per cent was committed to the delivery of 78 metropolitan dwellings for First Nations housing. In 2025 all 78 dwellings were delivered and allocated to First Nations tenants.
• the $1 billion Victorian Government Regional Housing Fund which progressed to implementation in 2024. Of this, 10 per cent was committed to delivering 130 social homes for Aboriginal Victorians as part of more than 1,300 new regional homes.

The following projects funded through milestone payments under the Sector Development Fund are expected to be delivered by the end of 2026:

• Supporting Aboriginal Registration project- This project aims to support and increase the number of registered Aboriginal housing providers in Victoria. This project includes a grants program to assist ACCOs and Traditional Owner Corporations (TOCs) to strengthen organisational capacity and readiness for housing registration.
• Local Government Partnerships project- This project aims to increase the understanding of the housing needs of Aboriginal people in selected local government areas. The project looks to apply strategies to promote First Peoples housing outcomes, support First Peoples projects, codify commitments, and foster connection between councils, ACCOs and TOCs.
• Breaking down barriers for ACCOs to the Big Housing Build project- This project aims to increase the number of ACCOs and TOCs accessing social housing development funding through the Victorian Government and similar programs. The project includes a grant program. The grant funding can contribute to building internal business capacity towards developing proposals for the development of land, including feasibility studies and other required technical assessments.
• Regional Planning Project Officer – Unspent funds from an earlier Community Housing Sector Development Fund project have been re-allocated to a position which provides administrative and project support to the ‘Developing Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness 10 Year Regional Growth Plans’ project, funded by Department of Premier and Cabinet (Closing the Gap, $540,000). The support role is focussed on delivering tools and templates for local use as well as coordinating centralised information for use across the ACCO and TOCs to support their development needs to grow the Aboriginal Housing Sector

The growth of Aboriginal registered housing providers, under the Housing Act 1983, to eight organisations reflects a strengthening Aboriginal-led housing sector. These providers are uniquely placed to deliver locally informed, culturally safe housing outcomes that respond to the needs and priorities of their communities. With a growing number of registered Aboriginal housing agencies, Homes Victoria continues to achieve significant progress across multiple major housing programs with the following milestones and accomplishments:

• As 31 December 2025, through the Big Housing Build 262 homes have been transferred on Interim General Leases (IGL’s) to Aboriginal Housing agencies. Longer term management arrangements will be sought with an Aboriginal registered Aboriginal Housing agency in 2026.
• Social Housing Growth Fund (420 Homes Delivery Target) - As of 31 December 2025, a total of 464 homes have been contracted.
• Social Housing Accelerator Program (78 Homes Delivery Target) - 78 homes have been contracted. 61 are on IGLs. An additional 17 properties are pending lease execution but have been allocated to an organisation.
• Regional Housing Fund (130 New Social Homes Target) - A total of 73 executed land contracts of sale have been secured with building contacts yet to be finalised. These are expected to be finalised in 2026.
• Homes Victoria has successfully secured funding through Commonwealth Housing Australia Future Fund Round 2 (HAFF) to deliver 1,275 new homes for Victorians. 10 per cent (128 dwellings) of these dwellings will be allocated to First Nations across Victoria across 12 locations.

As a result of the increased supply of housing, Aboriginal allocations have grown by 2.8 per cent from 2023-24 to 2024-25 (1,083 allocations in 2023-24, in comparison to 1,113 allocations in 2024-25).

To support the development of a strategic approach to First Nations housing into the future, funding of $540,000 provided by DPC in 2024–25 is going towards the development of Aboriginal housing and homelessness ten-year regional growth plans, with a minimum of five regional plans to be delivered by December 2026. The regional plans will aim to capture key activities to implement the VAHHF, including new social and affordable housing supply, homelessness reforms to improve service delivery, improve accommodation and long-term housing outcomes, identify capacity building activities to support workforce development, and support the scaling up of Aboriginal housing and homelessness providers.

Aboriginal Private Rental Access Project (APRAP)

The APRAP is a project designed to improve access to private rental housing for Aboriginal Victorians. The APRAP is a collaboration between the Commissioner for Residential Tenancies, Aboriginal Housing Victoria and others, including the AHHF. The APRAP has provided a series of recommendations to enhance rental access for First Peoples.

Separately, the APRAP recommendation for cultural awareness training for real estate agents and the offer of scholarships for Aboriginal Victorians to train to become property managers is being developed through a collaboration between the Real Estate Institute of Victoria and the Aboriginal Housing Victoria.

The implementation of APRAP recommendations is being overseen by a committee comprised of the project partners and representatives of various ACCOs and is co-chaired by the Deputy Executive Director of the Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency and the Commissioner for Residential Tenancies. Implementation has led to progressing the development of an anti-discrimination and rental access campaign.

Yarrka Barring

Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) launched a dedicated phoneline and website to assist Aboriginal consumers and renters with culturally relevant and accessible content, developed in response to feedback from Aboriginal communities and organisations about the issues that affect them most. These changes aim to provide safe and supportive ways for Aboriginal communities to access CAV’s services and support, including help and advice about renting rights.

First Peoples Home Ownership

The $20 million First Peoples Home Ownership program will enable more First Nations to realise home ownership in Victoria by providing financial assistance to prospective homebuyers in the form of one-off grants to contribute to the upfront costs of purchasing a home. The grants include:

• Deposit grant: up to $20,000 to match the house deposit of applicants, with an additional $5,000 co-contribution for new builds.
• Home buyer booster: up to $2,500 for legal conveyancing and administrative costs.
• Stamp duty contribution: up to $10,000 for stamp duty where applicants have previously owned a property (and do not currently).

First Peoples Home Ownership program opened for applications on 3 November 2025.

Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness Data

Indigenous data sovereignty and data governance is a consistent theme raised by the AHHF with members committed to ensure that the work progressed through the VAHHF is aligned with and embedded in whole-of-government reforms aligned with Closing the Gap Priority Reform Four, Data Sovereignty and the Aboriginal Strategic Governance Forum (ASGF) Priority Reform Four Working Group on data sovereignty.

Homes Victoria have committed to a data sharing approach with the AHHF since May 2023. This data includes:

• Providing deidentified Victorian Housing Register (VHR) waitlist data to support the Aboriginal housing and homelessness sector to understand the housing need and demand.
• Housing delivery data on all housing programs and their contributions towards the target of building 1,500 properties over the next five years (2029) for First Nations across Victoria. Programs include Social Housing Growth Fund, BHB, Social Housing Accelerator Program and Regional Housing Fund.
• The development of the Portfolio Optimisation model will ultimately provide an external facing dashboard that is accessible to AHHF members to operationalise the data to inform strategic directions and future investment.

Our Shared Commitment:

A quality education includes a place of learning that is responsive, welcoming and supportive. Creating culturally inclusive learning environments is vital to ensuring Aboriginal students feel safe and supported to achieve their learning aspirations.

Overview

Education is well known to be linked to improved wellbeing and increased equity, with kindergarten and early schooling a critical starting point to set Aboriginal children up for life.

Measures under Goal 4 have remained steady

The proportion of Aboriginal children funded for four-year-old kindergarten has remained steady. While the percentage of Aboriginal children funded to participate in Early-Start kindergarten has decreased.

The proportion of Aboriginal children who are vulnerable on one or more domains of the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) has also remained steady since the last AEDC in 2021.

Closing the Gap - How Victoria is tracking nationally

Outcome 3: In 2024, an estimated 94.2 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the Year Before Full-time Schooling (YBFS) age cohort were enrolled in a preschool program across Australia, compared to 121.2 per cent in Victoria. Enrolment proportions may exceed 100 per cent due to enrolment and population data being from different sources and limitations in the accuracy of Australian Bureau of Statistics Aboriginal population estimates for kindergarten aged children. Nationally, based on progress from the baseline year (2016), the target shows improvement and is on track to be met. Victoria has exceeded the target and is now focused on improving preschool attendance rates.

Outcome 4: In 2024, 33.9 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children across Australia commencing school were assessed as being developmentally on track in all five AEDC domains, compared to 35.8 per cent in Victoria. Nationally, based on progress from the baseline year (2018), the target is worsening. In Victoria this target shows improvement, however, there remains significant work to do.

Goal 4 directly aligns with the following Closing the Gap Outcomes and Targets

Outcome 3: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are engaged in high quality, culturally appropriate early childhood education in their early years.

• Target 3: By 2025, 95 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are enrolled in preschool in the Year Before Full-time Schooling.

Outcome 4: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children thrive in their early years.

• Target 4: By 2031, increase the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children assessed as developmentally on track in all five domains of the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) to 55 per cent.

4.1 Optimise early childhood development and participation in kinder

Measure 4.1.1 Number and proportion of eligible children enrolled in a funded four-year-old kindergarten program in the year before school

What does the data say?

In 2024, there were 2,024 Aboriginal children enrolled in a funded four-year-old kindergarten program in the year before school. This is 100 per cent of the eligible Aboriginal children in Victoria.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

The number of enrolments in funded four-year-old kindergartens has remained high over the past 5 years. Victoria’s sustained proportion of over 90 per cent of eligible Aboriginal children enrolled means results are improving.

The result of 100 per cent should be treated with caution, however it does indicate a sustained improvement in this measure. Figures of 100 per cent and above are achievable with this measure due to undercounts in population figures for Aboriginal children in Victoria.

How does this compare with non-Aboriginal results?

In 2024, 96 per cent of all eligible Victorian children were in funded four-year-old kindergarten programs. Since 2018, Aboriginal children have been enrolled at the same rate as or higher than all children.

Measure 4.1.2 Number of children funded to participate in Early Start Kindergarten

What does the data say?

In 2024, 1,680 Aboriginal children were enrolled in Three-Year-Old Kindergarten. Of these, 1,573 Aboriginal children were funded to participate in Early Start Kindergarten. 93.5 per cent of eligible Aboriginal children were enrolled in Three-Year-Old Kindergarten in 2024 (including Early Start Kindergarten enrolments). Children enrolled in Early Start Kindergarten are a portion of those enrolled in three-year-old kindergarten.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

Kindergarten participation rates are calculated using ABS Estimated Residential Populations. Following a methodology review, these estimates increased for Aboriginal populations in 2024.

While the proportion of children enrolled in Early Start Kindergarten and Three-Year-Old Kindergarten indicates a decrease in 2024, the number of children enrolled in these programs continued to increase (from 1,578 in 2023 to 1,680 in 2024). Note also that some Aboriginal children have been enrolled in Three-Year-Old Kindergarten but not Early Start Kindergarten since the introduction of statewide Three-Year-Old Kindergarten in 2022. This should be considered when comparing historical enrolment and participation rates.

The number and proportion of Aboriginal children in both programs have remained high over the past 3 years showing a sustained improvement in results. Although the proportion of children funded in Early Start Kindergarten has decreased since 2023, it is still an increase over the long term and improving.

Measure 4.1.3 Proportion of children vulnerable on one or more domain on the Australian Early Development Census

What does the data say?

In 2024, 41.3 per cent of Aboriginal children were assessed as vulnerable on one or more domain on the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC). AEDC results can help identify and monitor trends in how children in Australia develop by the time they begin their first year of full-time school. It highlights what is working well and what needs to be addressed to better support children and their families. The regular collection of AEDC data enables governments, educators, researchers, and communities to better support the wellbeing of children and families.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

Results for Aboriginal children have not improved since the last AEDC in 2021, which assessed 41.3 per cent of Aboriginal children as vulnerable. Results have also not improved largely since 2009, when 42.4 per cent of Aboriginal children were assessed as vulnerable.

How does this compare with non-Aboriginal results?

In 2024, 22.3 per cent of all Victorian children were assessed as vulnerable. This has increased since 2021 (19.9 per cent) and 2009 (20.3 per cent). This means that while results for Aboriginal children remain consistent, the results for all Victorian children are getting worse. When comparing the two populations, Aboriginal children are 1.9 times more likely to be assessed as vulnerable.

Goal 4 – Victorian Government Investment and Action

Pre-prep

From 2026, 4-year-old First Nations children can access more hours of Pre-Prep (up to 25 hours a week). This will increase to up to 30 hours in 2028.

Initiatives include funding for ACCOs to deliver 3- and 4-year-old kindergarten as well as work with early childhood services to improve cultural safety and inclusion. Koorie Kids Shine (KKS), launched in 2015, continues to promote and communicate the benefits of kindergarten for First Nations children in ways that resonate with their families and the broader First Nations community.

Initiatives such as bupup balak wayipungang (formerly Koorie Preschool Assistants) and Balert Gerrbik: Koorie Families as First Educators continue to support a strong foundation to early childhood learning and wellbeing for First Nations children.

The Early Childhood Language Program provides funding for participating early childhood services to deliver part of their 4-year-old kindergarten program in a language other than English, including First Nations languages. Six Aboriginal languages are currently being taught through this program, in the following locations:

• Berrimba Child Care (Njernda Aboriginal Corporation)
• Dala Yooro (Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-operative Limited)
• Barmah Outreach Kindergarten, Dederang Primary School Care
• Eastwood Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten
• Harrietville Bush Kinder
• Little Beacons Learning Centre
• Lulla's Children and Family Centre (Lulla's Children and Family Centre Aboriginal Corporation)
• Mortlake & District Kindergarten
• Port Fairy Community Services Centre
• Yappera Childrens Centre (Yappera Childrens Service Co-operative Limited)

Training

First Peoples-led Early Childhood Education & Care training

Bubup Wilam Aboriginal Child and Family Centre Incorporated were successful in entering the Skills First program through the offer of a 2025 VET Funding Contract. This increases funded opportunities for First Peoples-led Early Childhood Education & Care training.

Bubup William’s addition to the Skills First program means that all members of the Victorian VET Alliance are now funded under the program, with the other two members being the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and the Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Ltd

Overview

Cultural safety and connection to culture is a critical foundation that supports Aboriginal children to be confident learners and makes schools more inclusive of Aboriginal students and their aspirations.

Measures under Goal 5 have improved

More Aboriginal students from years 4 to 12 feel connected to their schools. Aboriginal students also report less bullying and more schools have undertaken community understanding and safety training.

NAPLAN results for Aboriginal students have also generally increased across reading and numeracy in the past year.

Closing the Gap – Relevant Outcomes and Targets for Goal 5

The National Agreement does not contain outcomes and targets that align with this VAAF goal. Victoria is pursuing more ambitious and comprehensive goals under the VAAF, which are reported on in this chapter and the Data Dashboard.

Closing the Gap - How Victoria is tracking nationally

Not applicable.

5.1 Bring Aboriginal achievement at school in line with learners’ aspirations

Measure 5.1.1 Percentage of students scoring strong or exceeding– Reading and Numeracy (NAPLAN) in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9

What does the data say?

Reading

In 2025, 47.2 per cent of Year 3, 55.6 per cent of Year 5, 44.7 per cent of Year 7 and 41.6 per cent of Year 9 Aboriginal students achieved strong or exceeding on their NAPLAN results.

Numeracy

In 2025, 44.3 per cent of Year 3, 45.0 per cent of Year 5, 40.3 per cent of Year 7 and 36.2 per cent of Year 9 Aboriginal students achieved strong or exceeding on their NAPLAN results.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

Reading

Year 3 is the sole year level Aboriginal students recorded a decline in the strong or exceeding category since 2024, with a decrease of 1.5 percentage points. For all other year levels, there were improvements. Year 5 improved by 5.0 percentage points, Year 7 improved by 2.1 percentage points and Year 9 improved by 4.9 percentage points. All year levels reported improved reading results since the new proficiency standards were introduced for the NAPLAN in 2023.

Numeracy

Aboriginal children at all year levels reported improved results since 2024. Year 3 improved by 1.6 percentage points, Year 5 improved by 4.0 percentage points, Year 7 improved by 2.9 percentage points and Year 9 improved by 3.0 percentage points. All year levels reported improved numeracy results since the 2023 NAPLAN.

How does this compare with non-Aboriginal results?

Reading

The proportion of non-Aboriginal students achieving strong or exceeding reading results was nearly double that of their Aboriginal peers in 2025. For non-Aboriginal students, 72.1 per cent of Year 3, 78.1 per cent of Year 5, 74.7 per cent of Year 7, and 69.7 per cent of Year 9 achieved strong or exceeding.

Numeracy

Again, the proportion of non-Aboriginal students achieving strong or exceeding results was nearly double that of their Aboriginal peers in 2025. For non-Aboriginal students, 70.6 per cent of Year 3, 74.2 per cent of Year 5, 73.5 per cent of Year 7, and 69.7 per cent of Year 9 achieved strong or exceeding.

5.2 Increase the proportion of Aboriginal students who feel safe and connected at school

Measure 5.2.1 Proportion of students who feel connected to their school

What does the data say?

In 2025, 74.0 per cent of Aboriginal students in Years 4 to 6, 45.8 per cent in Years 7 to 9, and 44.3 per cent in Years 10 to 12 felt connected to their school. Taken together, this means that 58.2 per cent of Aboriginal students in Years 4 to 12 felt connected to their school.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

The proportion of Aboriginal students across all year levels who felt connected to their school remained consistent or increased in 2025 compared with 2024. Years 4 to 6 increased 0.8 percentage points, Years 7 to 9 increased 3.4 percentage points and Years 10 to 12 increased 2.2 percentage points. The average increase for all years (4 to 12) was 1.6 percentage points.

Aboriginal students felt less connected to their school in 2025 than they did in 2017. In 2017, 62.6 per cent of Years 4 to 12 felt connected to their school, compared with 58.2 per cent in 2025.

How does this compare with non-Aboriginal results?

In 2025, 77.1 per cent of Years 4 to 6, 50.6 per cent of Years 7 to 9, and 49.5 per cent of Years 10 to 12 for all students felt connected to their school. This is higher in each year level than for Aboriginal students.

Measure 5.2.2 Student attendance rates in government schools

What does the data say?

In 2025, Aboriginal students attended Victorian government schools at the following rates: 84.2 per cent in Year 1; 83.9 per cent in Year 2; 84.1 per cent in Year 3; 83.3 per cent in Year 4; 83.2 per cent in Year 5; 81.6 per cent in Year 6; 77.3 per cent in Year 7; 72.5 per cent in Year 8; 69.5 per cent in Year 9; and 70.4 per cent in Year 10.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

In 2025, attendance rates for Aboriginal students improved in two year levels compared with 2024: Year 8 increased by 2.8 percentage points and Year 10 increased by 1.9 percentage points. Year 4 was the only year level to record a decline, with attendance falling by 1.2 percentage points. Changes in all other year levels were less than one percentage point.

Aboriginal students attended school less in 2025 than they did 10 years ago.

In 2016, Aboriginal students attended Victorian government schools at the following rates: 89.4 per cent in Year 1; 89.6 per cent in Year 2; 89.8 per cent in Year 3; 89.2 per cent in Year 4; 89.3 per cent in Year 5; 89.4 per cent in Year 6; 87 per cent in Year 7; 83.2 per cent in Year 8; 82.8 per cent in Year 9; and 82 per cent in Year 10.

How does this compare with non-Aboriginal results?

In 2025, the Year 1–10 attendance rate for Aboriginal students was 79.2 per cent, compared with 88.0 per cent for non-Aboriginal students; a difference of 8.8 percentage points. The data shows Aboriginal students become progressively less likely to attend school than their non-Aboriginal peers as they move into higher year levels.

Measure 5.2.3 Number of Aboriginal people on school councils

What does the data say?

In 2025, 74 Victorian government schools (10 per cent of the schools that responded to the Term 3 Principal Survey) reported 94 Aboriginal people on their school councils.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

An accurate year-to-year comparison of the Term 3 Principal Survey is not possible as the survey is not compulsory and the number of schools responding varies every year.

Measure 5.2.4 Proportion of Aboriginal students who report bullying at school

What does the data say?

In 2025, 21.8 per cent of Year 4-6, 24 per cent of Year 7-9 and 15.4 per cent of Year 10-12 Aboriginal students reported experiencing bullying at school in Victoria.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

Since 2024, the proportion of Aboriginal students experiencing bullying at school has stayed the same or decreased. In 2024, 23.7 per cent of Year 4-6, 24.2 per cent of Year 7-9 and 16.6 per cent of Year 10-12 Aboriginal students experienced bullying at school.

The proportion of Aboriginal students who experienced bullying has also stayed the same or decreased over the long term. In 2021, 23.2 per cent of Year 4-6, 24.8 per cent of Year 7-9 and 16.8 per cent of Year 10-12 Aboriginal students experienced bullying at school.

How does this compare with non-Aboriginal results?

Aboriginal students have experienced more bullying than their non-Aboriginal peers every year and at every year level since 2017.

Measure 5.2.5 Number and proportion of school-based Aboriginal education workers across all schools

What does the data say?

In 2025, there were 326.4 FTE education staff in Victoria who identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, which accounted for 0.4 per cent of the total education workforce. This number is Full Time Equivalent (FTE) and includes casual and part-time staff.

Education staff fall into three categories: Education Support, Teachers and Principals.

Education Support

In 2025, there were 205.4 FTE education support staff who identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. This represents 0.8 per cent of the education support workforce.

Aboriginal people were predominantly employed as education support staff and accounted for 62.9 per cent of the overall Aboriginal education workforce.

Teachers

In 2025, there were 109.2 FTE teachers who identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. This represents 0.2 per cent of all teachers in Victoria.

Aboriginal teachers accounted for 33.5 per cent of the overall Aboriginal education workforce.

Principals

In 2025, there were 11.8 FTE school principals who identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. This represents 0.3 per cent of all principals.

Aboriginal school principals accounted for 3.6 per cent of the overall Aboriginal education workforce.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

The number of education staff identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander has increased year-on-year since 2018, with 137.2 more in 2025 than in 2018. However, when considering the overall education workforce, the proportion of Aboriginal education staff has not increased.

Education Support

In 2018, there were 114.3 FTE Education Support Staff identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander accounting for 0.7 per cent of the Education Support workforce. This means that although the number of Aboriginal Education Support staff is 91.1 FTE higher in 2025, proportionally, the Aboriginal Education Support workforce has not increased.

Teachers

In 2018, there were 65.9 FTE Teachers, accounting for 0.2 per cent of all teachers. While the number of Aboriginal teachers was 43.3 FTE higher in 2025, the proportion of all teachers who are Aboriginal has not increased.

Principals

In 2018, there were 9.0 FTE Aboriginal school principals, accounting for 0.3 per cent of all principals. While the number of Aboriginal school principals was 2.8 FTE higher in 2025, the proportion of all principals who are Aboriginal has not increased.

How does this compare with non-Aboriginal results?

The education workforce in Victoria has increased year-on-year since 2018, with 17,814 more education staff in 2025 than in 2018. This means the education workforce in Victoria has increased by 28.5 per cent. There was an increase in the Aboriginal education workforce between 2018 (189.2 FTE) to 2025 (326.5 FTE). While this represented a 72.5 per cent increase in the Aboriginal education workforce, this only represented a 0.1 per cent increase as a proportion of the entire education workforce.

Measure 5.2.7 Number and proportion of government schools having undertaken Community Understanding and Safety Training (CUST)³

What does the data say?

In 2025, 16 more schools completed CUST, bringing the total rate of Victorian government schools that have now undertaken this training to 98 per cent. CUST empowers school staff to foster culturally inclusive environments that enhance Koorie students' wellbeing.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

The number of school campuses undertaking CUST has steadily increased since the beginning of the program in 2018.

^{3. Formerly ‘Cultural’ Understanding and Safety Training.}

Goal 5 – Victorian Government Investment and Action

The Koorie Literacy and Numeracy Program (KLNP)

KLNP continues to support First Nations students from Foundation to Year 6 who need additional support. The 2025/26 State Budget allocated an additional $18.5 million over four years to support the continued delivery of the program, with an additional $5.2 million invested on an ongoing basis.

Preventing and Addressing Racism in Schools

In June 2025, DE launched the Preventing and Addressing Racism in Schools Policy, which makes clear that racism is not tolerated in Victorian Government schools. Initially released in 2024, the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0 (VTLM 2.0) is a revision of the original VTLM, developed in consultation with the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO). VTLM 2.0 is focused on effective teaching practices and approaches to achieve strong learning outcomes for students, including priority cohorts. This includes the Inclusive Classroom and Cultural Responsiveness guides, which were developed in collaboration with VAEAI and AERO’s First Nations Reference Group. First Nations authors and perspectives have also been featured in the Victorian Lesson Plans.

First Nations Teachers

In October 2025, DE launched its refreshed Aboriginal Employment Plan 2025-2029, which outlines 10 actions to increase First Nations employment across Early Learning Victoria centres, schools, and corporate workspaces, including in leadership roles. This plan is a key action under DE’s Dhelk Wukang: Aboriginal Inclusion Plan 2022-2026.

The Koorie Staff Network was established as a peer-led network to connect First Nations staff in DE and schools and to promote First Nations inclusion, fostering a culturally safe work environment.

The Aspiring Koorie Teachers Now (AKT Now) program supports First Nations peoples to become teachers or Education Support staff by helping them complete education qualifications while undertaking paid employment in schools. In 2025, the program supported 25 candidates in securing employment in Education Support positions.

Community Understanding and Safety Training (CUST)

The CUST program has effectively strengthened connections between schools and their local First Nations communities and encouraged reflection and planning on how to improve outcomes at the local level through self-determination.

Overview

Remaining engaged in school and completing and excelling at Year 12 or equivalent can provide Aboriginal learners with greater opportunities and choice for their future pathways.

Measures under Goal 6 have varied results

Fewer Aboriginal students are continuing their education through to Year 12 in 2025 as a proportion of their year 10 cohort in 2015.

In contrast more Aboriginal students are completing Year 12 than ever before. This reflects that the cohort of Aboriginal students in Victoria is increasing.

Goal 6 directly aligns with the following Closing the Gap Outcome and Target

Outcome 5: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students achieve their full learning potential.

• Target 5: By 2031, 96 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (aged 20-24) attain a Year 12 or equivalent qualification.

Closing the Gap - How Victoria is tracking nationally

Outcome 5: In 2021, 68.1 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 20–24 years had attained Year 12 or equivalent qualification across Australia, compared to 72.6 per cent in Victoria. Nationally, based on progress from the baseline year (2016), the target shows improvement but is not on track to be met. In Victoria, there has been some improvement since the baseline year.

6.1 Increase Year 12 or equivalent attainment

Measure 6.1.2 Apparent retention rates for students in Years 10 to 12

What does the data say?

In 2025, 56.2 per cent of Year 10 to 12 Aboriginal students in Victorian government schools continued their secondary studies for a second year or until graduation.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

Since 2016 the apparent retention rate for Year 10 to 12 Aboriginal government school students in Victoria has been declining. In 2016, 65.6 per cent of Aboriginal students in Victorian government schools continued their studies for a second year or until graduation.

How does this compare with non-Aboriginal results?

In 2025, 80.2 per cent of Year 10 to 12 non-Aboriginal students in Victorian government schools continued their secondary studies for a second year or until graduation. Since 2016 the apparent retention rate for Year 10 to 12 non-Aboriginal students decreased by 1.9 percentage points.

Measure 6.1.3 Number of Aboriginal students who complete the VCE, VCAL or VET in Schools Certificate

What does the data say?

In 2025, 758 Aboriginal students completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), including VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM), and the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC). This measure was updated for the 2024 VGAAR as a result of the Senior Secondary Pathways Reform. Data from 2011 to 2023 is not comparable to data from 2024 onwards.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

The number of Aboriginal people who completed secondary schooling in 2025 has increased in comparison to 2024.

Goal 6 – Victorian Government Investment and Action

The Senior Secondary Pathways Reform

The Senior Secondary Pathways Reform have been delivering universal change to the schooling system since 2021 to improve vocational and applied learning in senior secondary years. These reforms were designed to support more students in considering pathways that align with their strengths and interests, and to more successfully transition to post-school pathways.

My Career Insights

A career advisory service known as My Career Insights is available to every Year 9 student in a government school and provides access to a world-leading career diagnostic tool, followed by a one-on-one career counselling session by a qualified career practitioner trained in the tool. For some students, additional support is provided over a longer period to undertake career planning activities including work experience through the Enhanced My Career Insights pilot program. This began in July 2024, providing four individual sessions with a career practitioner to students from priority backgrounds, including First Nations young people. To date, over 100 First Nations young people have participated in the pilot.

Career Advice Service

The Career Advice Service is a program that is available for all early school leavers, which includes a dedicated program of culturally safe, targeted supports that is being piloted for First Nations early school leavers. This dedicated program promotes self-determination and fosters a culturally safe environment that supports and empowers First Nations young people to actively shape their educational and career pathways as early school leavers. The supports are being delivered by the Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative, the Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency, and the TAFE Koorie Transition unit at GOTAFE.

The Victorian Early Leaver Connection Initiative (VELCI)

VELCI supports Victorian early school leavers to stay engaged in education and training, which can also include successfully completing a Year 12 or a vocational education and training certificate. The 2025/26 State Budget invested $91 million into the VELCI, which will deliver a pilot career advice service for Victorian early school leavers, mentoring and other supports for First Nations young people and young people with disabilities who are early school leavers, and supporting options to complete Year 12 at TAFE. In 2025, 32 First Nations young people participated in the career advisory service and 96 First Nations young people participated in targeted support services.

Yani Bangal Transport and Planning Portfolio First Peoples Careers Strategy 2023 – 2028

The Yani Bangal Transport and Planning Portfolio First Peoples Careers Strategy 2023–2028 (Yani Bangal) was launched in 2023. Yani Bangal is underpinned by a 2 per cent First Peoples employment target and includes 42 actions. Of the 42 actions, 20 are completed (some ongoing), 15 are in progress and 6 are yet to commence. Some of the key actions completed in 2025 include:

• implementing a Cultural and Ceremonial Leave policy
• developing a suite of cultural safety training programs
• undertaking a cultural safety audit for First Peoples employees and using data to direct actions and monitor progress
• providing regular opportunities for the First Peoples Staff Network to connect
• holding the fourth annual First Peoples Staff Conference
• delivering the fifth annual Yani Bangal Scholarship Program.

The Yani Bangal Scholarship Program (Scholarship Program) provides financial support to First Peoples students, supports educational completion and strengthens pathways into further training and employment. Since the inception of the Yani Bangal First Peoples Scholarship Program in 2020, a total of 75 scholarships have been awarded, comprising 49 secondary school, five TAFE and 21 university scholarships.

In 2025, the Transport and Planning Portfolio provided 15 scholarships under the Scholarship Program. The Scholarship Program provided scholarships to four secondary school students, three TAFE students and eight university students.

Overview

Aboriginal learners must be supported to pursue their pathway of choice, whether that be further education, training or formal employment. This means making these opportunities more accessible for Aboriginal young people, as well as ensuring young people feel supported to follow their ambitions.

Measures under Goal 7 have worsened

Fewer Aboriginal 20–64-year-old government-funded VET graduates are employed or in further study. While the completions of VET studies have remained steady in the same year.

Alternatively there are more Aboriginal students commencing university, with Aboriginal access, participation and completion rates of university studies remaining steady.

Goal 7 directly aligns with the following Closing the Gap Outcomes and Targets

Outcome 6: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students reach their full potential through further education pathways.

• Target 6: By 2031, increase the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 25-34 years who have completed a tertiary qualification (Certificate III and above) to 70 per cent.

Outcome 7: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth are engaged in employment or education.

• Target 7: By 2031, increase the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth (15-24 years) who are in employment, education or training to 67 per cent.

Closing the Gap - How Victoria is tracking nationally

Outcome 6: In 2021, 47 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 25–34 years had completed non-school qualifications of Certificate III or above across Australia, compared to 58.5 per cent in Victoria. Nationally, based on progress from the baseline (2016), the target shows improvement but is not on track to be met. In Victoria, there has been some improvement since the baseline year.

Outcome 7: In 2021, 58 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15–24 years were fully engaged in employment, education or training across Australia, compared to 65.5 per cent in Victoria. Nationally, based on progress from the baseline year (2016), the target shows improvement but is not on track to be met. In Victoria, there has been some improvement since the baseline year.

7.1 Increase the proportion of Aboriginal young people in work or further education

Measure 7.1.3 Proportion of 18–24-year-olds participating and completing tertiary education

What does the data say?

VET studies

In 2024 5,727 Aboriginal students enrolled in VET studies in Victoria. Of those, 5,326 were in non-university settings and 401 were in university settings. There were 1,077 completions of these programs in 2024, with 999 being in non-university settings and 78 in university settings. This means that of those enrolled, 18.8 per cent of Aboriginal students in non-university settings completed their VET studies, and 19.5 per cent of Aboriginal students in university settings completed their VET studies.

In 2024, 49.6 per cent of the Victorian 18–24-year-old Aboriginal population enrolled in VET studies in non-university settings, and 3.7 per cent enrolled in university settings.

University study

In 2024, there were 1,265 commencing Aboriginal students in Victorian universities and 3,068 Aboriginal students in total.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

VET studies

There were 12 fewer Aboriginal students enrolled in VET studies in non-university settings and one fewer at university in 2024 than in 2023. Lower Aboriginal enrollment in VET could be because of students choosing other pathways. Completions have also declined in the same period, with 63 fewer students completing VET studies in non-university settings in 2024 than in 2023. In contrast, there were more students completing VET studies at university, with 9 more in 2024 than 2023.

Since 2015, there have been 225 fewer Aboriginal students enrolled in VET studies in non-university settings and 170 more enrolled at university. Completions have also declined in the same time period, with 279 fewer Aboriginal students completing VET studies in non-university settings and 22 more completing VET studies at universities.

In 2024, 18.8 per cent of Aboriginal students enrolled in non-university VET completed their studies. This remained the same as 2023 (18.4 per cent). This is a decline of 3.6 percentage points from 2015, when 22.3 per cent of Aboriginal students enrolled in non-university VET completed their studies .

In 2024, 19.4 per cent of Aboriginal students enrolled in VET at university completed their studies. This was higher than in 2023 (14.8 per cent). However it is a decline of 4.2 percentage points from 2015, when 23.7 per cent of Aboriginal students enrolled in VET in university settings completed their studies.

University study

There were 79 more Aboriginal students commencing at Victorian universities in 2024 than in 2023, and 215 more Aboriginal students at university in total.

Since 2015 there has been a steady increase in the access, participation, and completion rates for Aboriginal university students. In 2024 the Aboriginal access rate was 1.3 per cent, participation rate was 1.2 per cent, and the Aboriginal attainment rate was 1.0 per cent. In 2015 the Aboriginal access rate was 0.9 per cent, participation rate was 0.8 per cent, and the Aboriginal attainment rate was 0.6 per cent

The access rate is the number of commencing Aboriginal students as a proportion of all domestic commencing students. The participation rate is the number of all Aboriginal students as a proportion of all domestic students, and the attainment rate is the number of Aboriginal students receiving award course completions as a proportion of all domestic students’ receiving award course completions.

How does this compare with non-Aboriginal results?

VET studies

In 2024, 29.9 per cent of non-Aboriginal students enrolled in non-university VET completed their studies. Compared to Aboriginal students, non-Aboriginal students were 1.6 times more likely to complete their studies.

VET at university follows a similar pattern, with 27.5 per cent of non-Aboriginal students completing their studies. This means non-Aboriginal students at VET at university are 1.4 times more likely to complete their studies.

Measure 7.1.5 Proportion of 20–64-year-old government-funded and total VET graduates employed and/or in further study after training

What does the data say?

In 2024, 80.1 per cent of total Aboriginal VET graduates were employed and/or in further study after training. For government-funded VET, 82.9 per cent of Aboriginal VET graduates were employed and/or in further study after training.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

The total Aboriginal VET graduates employed and/or in further study decreased by 7.5 percentage points in 2024 compared with 2023. For government-funded VET graduates, there was a 3 percentage point decline.

Since 2020, there has been no substantial change in either the total or the government-funded Aboriginal VET graduates employed and/or in further study.

Declines in the percentage of Aboriginal VET graduates in employment or further study represents worsening results.

How does this compare with non-Aboriginal results?

In 2024, 85.2 per cent of all VET graduates were employed and/or in further study after training. For government-funded VET, 86.3 per cent of all graduates were employed and/or in further study after training.

In the short term, the percentage of VET graduates employed and/or in further study has declined but has grown in the long term. Since 2020, VET graduates employed and/or in further study has increased by 5 percentage points for all VET graduates and 7.2 percentage points for government-funded VET graduates.

Our Shared Commitment

Fully participating in the economy provides Aboriginal Victorians with the resources they need to self-determine their future. The Victorian Government is committed to supporting Aboriginal Victorian workers, employers and businesses to thrive, including supporting them to recover from the financial impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. As part of the government's efforts, fostering inclusive economic growth is key.

This means stimulating work and additional economic development and business opportunities for Aboriginal young people, people living with a disability and those in regional areas, and ensuring Aboriginal Victorians are represented at all levels, across all sectors and in other pursuits.

Overview

Aboriginal Victorians have a long history of enterprise. Raising Aboriginal household income supports personal and collective agency and enables Aboriginal Victorians to have equal access to opportunities.

Measures under Goal 8 have improved

Only measure 8.3.2 Victorian State Government direct spend with Victorian Aboriginal businesses has updated data for the 2025 Report.

The Victorian government has spent over $56 million dollars in direct spend with Victorian Aboriginal businesses in 2025.

Closing the Gap – Relevant Outcomes and Targets for Goal 8

The National Agreement does not contain outcomes and targets that align with this VAAF goal. Victoria is pursuing more ambitious and comprehensive goals under the VAAF, which are reported on in this chapter and the Data Dashboard.

Closing the Gap - How Victoria is tracking nationally

Not applicable.

8.3 Increase Aboriginal business ownership and support Aboriginal entrepreneurs

Measure 8.3.2 Aboriginal businesses that government enters into a purchase agreement with as a proportion of small to medium enterprises government enters into a purchase agreement with

What does the data say?

In 2024-25, the Victorian Government spent approximately $56.1 million with 118 Aboriginal businesses for products and services. The average spend was $475,423.73 per business.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

From 2018-19, the number of Aboriginal businesses that the Victorian Government spends with has increased, as well as the dollar amount procured. In 2018-19, the direct spend with Aboriginal businesses was approximately $11.1 million across 53 Aboriginal businesses. The average spend was $209,433.96 per business. The direct spend in 2024-25 involved nearly double the number of businesses and five times the dollar amount compared with 2018-19.

Goal 8 - Victorian Government Investment and Action

Support for Aboriginal businesses

Victorian Government’s Social Procurement Framework (SPF)

The Victorian Government’s SPF aims to ensure value-for-money considerations in procurement are not solely focused on price but also on opportunities to deliver social and sustainable outcomes that benefit the Victorian community.

One of the objectives of the SPF is opportunities for Victorian Aboriginal people. This objective seeks two outcomes: purchasing from Victorian Aboriginal businesses and employment of Victorian Aboriginal people by suppliers to the Victorian Government.

In 2024-25, DGS continued its partnership with Kinaway Chamber of Commerce to support the SPF by providing culturally informed business support to Victorian Government buyers and advice to Victorian Aboriginal businesses to improve visibility, strengthen relationships and create opportunities for Victorian Aboriginal businesses.

Aboriginal Business Support Initiative and amendments to the Local Jobs First Act 2003

The Local Jobs First Policy, legislated through the Local Jobs First Act 2003, ensures that small and medium-sized enterprises in Victoria, including First Peoples owned and operated businesses, are given a full and fair opportunity to compete for both large and small government contracts.

Local Jobs First, through the Major Projects Skills Guarantee, also provides opportunities to Victorian apprentices, trainees and cadets to work on high-value government construction projects. This includes opportunities for First Peoples apprentices, trainees and cadets.

To advance opportunities for First Peoples businesses to participate in Local Jobs First projects, DJSIR has funded the delivery of the Aboriginal Business Support Initiative which included a range of activities such as the delivery of an Aboriginal Business Showcase. The Aboriginal Business Showcase, held on 4 June 2025 at Federation Square, brought together 246 attendees, including over 100 First Peoples businesses, 64 bidders and 57 exhibitors. The program featured government and industry leaders, cultural elements and sector-specific networking opportunities.

Recent amendments to the Local Jobs First Act 2003, which came into effect on 20 August 2025, have introduced additional objectives to inform the development of the Local Jobs First Policy and the Minister responsible for Local Jobs First in setting new requirements for projects to provide equitable opportunities for First Peoples businesses.

Overview

Fully participating in the economy provides Aboriginal Victorians with the resources they need to determine the future they want. Economic participation is therefore key to Aboriginal self‑determination.

Measures under Goal 9 have worsened

The majority of measures under Goal 9 rely on the Census of Population and Housing with data only available every five years. New data is available for Measure 9.1.3 Aboriginal job seekers supported into work

Fewer Aboriginal people have been supported into work by the Victorian Government in 2025.

Goal 9 directly aligns with the following Closing the Gap Outcome and Target

Outcome 8: Strong economic participation and development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.

Target 8: By 2031, increase the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 25-64 who are employed to 62 per cent.

Closing the Gap - How Victoria is tracking nationally

Outcome 8: In 2021, 55.7 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 25–64 years were employed across Australia, compared to 62 per cent in Victoria. Nationally, based on progress from the baseline year (2016), the target shows improvement and is on track to be met. In Victoria, there has been some improvement since the baseline year.

9.1 Increase Aboriginal workforce participation

Measure 9.1.3. Aboriginal jobseekers supported into work

What does the data say?

In 2025, there were 5 Aboriginal women and 9 Aboriginal men who participated in the Jobs Victoria program. In the same year there were 2 Aboriginal women and 3 Aboriginal men who received employment after the program ended.

The Jobs Victoria Program provided targeted mentoring and support for Victorians who faced challenges finding work. This was through several programs such as Jobs Victoria Mentors, Local Employment Transition Service, Community Revitalisation, Social Enterprise.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

Since 2024, the number of Aboriginal men and women in the Jobs Victoria program has reduced. The numbers for both Aboriginal men and women were at the lowest recorded in the Victorian Government Aboriginal Affairs Report in 2025. This is due to the Jobs Victoria program concluding in June 2025. The conclusion of the program creates uncertainty around mechanisms for the Victorian Government to support Aboriginal jobseekers into work in the future.

Mob in Fashion – Brunswick Studio – Wurundjeri Country

SDRF enabler 1: Prioritise culture

Mob in Fashion, led by Whadjuk/Noongar creative Nathan McGuire, is transforming representation of First Peoples in the fashion industry. With $141,645 in Victorian Government funding through the Creative Spaces and Places Program, Mob in Fashion moved from a small home-based operation to a fully equipped studio in Brunswick. This culturally rich hub now supports a growing network of First Peoples designers and creatives, blending traditional knowledge with contemporary innovation.

The studio enables on-the-job training, internships, and industry partnerships, creating pathways into Melbourne Fashion Week, Melbourne Fashion Festival and Australian Fashion Week. As the only program of its kind nationally, Mob in Fashion addresses systemic underrepresentation and empowers First Peoples talent both behind the scenes and on the runway. The initiative demonstrates how government investment in First Peoples-led programs delivers tangible outcomes in employment, cultural visibility and creative leadership.

Cousins Preston and Aavashia at Melbourne Fashion Festival, photo courtesy of ABC News

Mob in Fashion studio in Brunswick, Melbourne (Wurundjeri Country)

9.4 Increase Aboriginal leadership and representation across all sectors and levels

Measure 9.4.2 Aboriginal employees within the Victorian Public Service (VPS)

What does the data say?

In 2025 there were 793 Aboriginal staff in the VPS. This represents 1.4 per cent of all VPS staff.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

Since 2024 the number of Aboriginal VPS staff has increased with 33 more in 2025 than 2024. There is a similar trend over the long term with 315 more Aboriginal staff employed in the VPS since 2017. Over the long term the percentage of Aboriginal VPS staff has increased from 1.1 per cent in 2017 to 1.4 per cent in 2025. Overall, this measure is showing improvement.

How does this compare with non-Aboriginal results?

In 2025 there were 21,182 non-Aboriginal staff in the VPS representing 36.4 per cent of all VPS staff. Since the VGAAR has reported on the numbers of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal staff in the VPS the largest cohort has recorded “no response” to identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander with 62.2 per cent.

Measure 9.4.3 Number of Aboriginal people at VPS 6 level and above in the VPS

What does the data say?

In 2025, there were 142 Aboriginal VPS staff members at VPS Grade 6 and above. This represented 1.2 per cent of all VPS Grade 6 and above staff members. This also means that 17.9 per cent of Aboriginal VPS staff members were at VPS Grade 6 level or above.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

Since 2024, the number of Aboriginal VPS Grade 6 and above staff members has increased by 17. There is a similar trend over the long term with 100 more Aboriginal VPS Grade 6 and above staff in 2025 than in 2017.

This means the percentage of VPS Grade 6 and above staff who identify as Aboriginal has increased, up from 0.7 per cent in 2017. There has also been an increase in the percentage of all Aboriginal VPS staff who are employed at the Grade 6 and above level, up from 8.8 per cent in 2017.

How does this compare with non-Aboriginal results?

In 2025 there were 5,069 VPS Grade 6 and above staff members who identified themselves as non-Aboriginal. This represented 41.5 per cent of all VPS Grade 6 and above staff members.

The largest group of VPS Grade 6 and above staff members did not respond to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status question. This cohort represents 57.3 per cent.

Of all VPS staff members who identified as non-Aboriginal, 23.9 per cent were at VPS grade level or above. However, given that most staff have not responded to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status question, it is not possible to make accurate comparisons between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal staff numbers.

Transport and Planning Portfolio First Peoples Staff Conference 2025

Measure 9.4.4 Number and proportion of Aboriginal people participating on Victorian Government boards

What does the data say?

In 2025 there were 183 Aboriginal members on government boards. This means that 4.8 per cent of all appointees to Victorian government boards identified as Aboriginal. DPC had the highest Aboriginal participation on boards for 2025, with 27.9 per cent of board members identifying as Aboriginal. DEECA had the second highest at 11.3 per cent and DJSIR the third highest with 5.4 per cent.

Does the data show improvement or decline?

In 2025, there were 19 more Aboriginal government board members than in 2024, and 107 more than in 2017. DEECA had the largest increase in number, with 46 more Aboriginal board members since 2017. Increasing numbers and percentage of Aboriginal members of government boards means this measure is improving.

How does this compare with non-Aboriginal results?

In 2025, there were 3,070 non-Aboriginal members on government boards. This means that 81.2 per cent of all appointees to Victorian Government boards identified as non-Aboriginal. The remaining 14 per cent of board members either chose not to disclose their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status or they did not respond.

Goal 9 - Victorian Government Investment and Action

Yuma Yirramboi Strategy

In June 2022, the Minister for Employment and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs together launched the Yuma Yirramboi Strategy (the Strategy) to help create First Peoples employment opportunities, supporting inclusion, wealth creation and seeking to achieve economic parity for First Peoples in Victoria within a generation.

In addition to the $25 million allocated to the Strategy in 2022, the 2024/25 State Budget allocated $8.595 million over three years to continue the work of the Strategy to address economic disparity for First Peoples communities.

Funding was allocated for four initiatives:

• Aboriginal Employment Pathways
• Traditional Owner Corporations Fund
• Aboriginal Tertiary Scholarship Program
• Support for the Yuma Yirramboi Council.

The Strategy supports Victorian Government commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, self-determination, Treaty preparedness and the work of the Yoorrook Justice Commission.

In 2025, the Strategy delivered key outcomes and grant initiatives to address critical barriers and opportunities for First Peoples economic development:

• Grants provided for the Aboriginal business sector included supporting the Kinaway Chamber of Commerce in delivery of the annual Victorian Aboriginal Business Awards in 2025.
• Delivery of an Aboriginal Business Capital Investment Program addressing the lack of capital investment available for Aboriginal Businesses.
• Delivered Aboriginal Employment Pathways outcomes that included the establishment of an Employment Acceleration Pathways program offering access to job readiness support.
• Delivered significant progress towards enabling business growth and accessing domestic and international opportunities under the First Nation Trade Program.

Diversity, equity, inclusion and cultural safety

Department of Government Services’ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Roadmap

The Victorian Public Sector Commission (VPSC) is implementing the Barring Djinang First Peoples’ Workforce Development Strategy (2025–2028) to increase First Peoples representation, retention and leadership across the Victorian Public Sector. It strengthens entry pathways, supports career progression through targeted development and mentoring, and builds culturally responsive leadership, contributing to a more inclusive, capable and representative public sector aligned with truth-telling and self-determination. DGS launched its DEI Roadmap in 2024-25, which is an interim strategy focused on establishing a diversity, equity and inclusion program that also supports the principles of self-determination.

Consumers Affairs Victoria’s (CAV) cultural awareness training

CAV staff continued to undertake a bespoke cultural awareness training, delivered in partnership with the Koori Heritage Trust and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation. Ninety per cent of CAV staff have completed training to date.

Public Record Office Victoria’s (PROV) Cultural Safety and Self-Determination training

PROV engaged an Aboriginal consultancy to deliver Cultural Safety and Self-Determination training for staff working with Victorian Aboriginal records and delivering services to the public.

Some staff also completed the University of Melbourne’s ‘Understanding Treaty’ micro-certification to further enhance their knowledge and understanding of self-determination, culture and contemporary issues.

DJSIR’s First Peoples Cultural Safety Framework

Across DJSIR, groups actively encourage and support all First Peoples staff to participate in staff-led network meetings, forums and events. DJSIR also recognises the importance of offering alternatives for the celebration of Australia Day and supporting First Peoples staff in connecting with their country and family when required, to promote their mental health and wellbeing.

In June 2025, DJSIR’s First Peoples Cultural Safety Framework was formally launched. Building a department that is culturally safe and culturally capable is fundamental to:

• supporting First Peoples colleagues’ wellbeing and cultural safety
• strengthening the department’s ability to design and deliver policies and programs that best serve the Victorian First Peoples community
• advancing and embedding First Peoples self-determination across departmental practices
• upholding DJSIR’s commitment to Truth, Justice and Treaty

DJSIR’s vision for First Peoples cultural safety is to be an employer of choice for First Peoples. This will be achieved by fostering a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace that supports First Peoples staff and upholds cultural safety

DFFH and DH’s Aboriginal workforce strategy 2021-2026

DFFH and DH’s Aboriginal workforce strategy 2021-2026 provides a framework for both departments to achieve their vision of becoming employers of choice for Aboriginal people.

The five-year strategy was developed with empowered Aboriginal voice at its core, gathered through extensive consultation with Aboriginal employees and non-Aboriginal employees, including the Wirrigirri Reconciliation program.

Dedicated implementation plans accompany the strategy. These plans are designed to ensure the departments can regularly adapt their implementation actions. The departments will continue to engage Traditional Owners, Aboriginal employees, ACCOs and the tertiary education sector to align the implementation of their strategy to the needs of all First Peoples in Victoria.

DEECA’s Aboriginal Cultural Safety Framework

The Aboriginal Cultural Safety Framework is an Aboriginal-led and evaluated initiative that aims to embed Aboriginal self-determination in DEECA’s practices, policies, procedures, and daily administration. By embedding self-determination, the framework will drive change throughout the department by creating and transforming culturally safe places for Aboriginal staff members, stakeholders and visitors.

DEECA’s commitment to Aboriginal cultural safety is organised around four action areas:

1. DEECA staff are culturally capable and demonstrate this capability in all the work they do
2. First Nations staff feel valued and supported in their career and career development, have access to culturally appropriate employee support and see DEECA as an employer of choice
3. First Nations staff feel culturally safe and supported to express their cultural identity and practice culture
4. DEECA is accountable to its commitment to supporting self-determination and building safe and respectful workplaces

DJCS’ Aboriginal Workforce Strategy 2024-2027

The Aboriginal Workforce Strategy 2024-2027 is part of an integrated approach to enhance the DJCS’ cultural capability, support DJCS’ Aboriginal workforce, and benefit Aboriginal communities through improved policy making, well‑informed program design, implementation and evaluation.

The strategy expands on the former Koori Employment and Career Strategy 2017–2020 initiatives and refines existing programs to better serve our Aboriginal workforce. The strategy implements special measures as set out in Section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010, for the purposes of promoting and realising substantive equality and advancement of Aboriginal people within the department workforce. It addresses key recommendations from the Aboriginal Justice Agreement: Phase Four and the Review of the Adult Custodial Corrections System – Safer Prisons, Safer People, Safer Communities.

Advancing Self-Determination and Cultural Safety in Budget at DTF

DTF is committed to building internal cultural capability and embedding self-determination in budget and business case processes. In late 2024 DTF launched the Early Intervention Investment Framework (EIIF) Cultural Safety Framework which was developed in partnership with VACCA and incorporates input from ACCOs and Victorian Government departments engaged in the EIIF.

The EIIF Cultural Safety Framework aims to improve outcomes for First Peoples by listening and learning from the experiences of First Peoples and implementing actions to better support cultural safety and self-determination. The Framework was utilised throughout 2025 to inform the development of EIIF budget proposals.

and supporting First Peoples staff in connecting with their country and family when required, to promote their mental health and wellbeing.

In June 2025, DJSIR’s First Peoples Cultural Safety Framework was formally launched. Building a department that is culturally safe and culturally capable is fundamental to:

• supporting First Peoples colleagues’ wellbeing and cultural safety
• strengthening the department’s ability to design and deliver policies and programs that best serve the Victorian First Peoples community
• advancing and embedding First Peoples self-determination across departmental practices
• upholding DJSIR’s commitment to Truth, Justice and Treaty

DJSIR’s vision for First Peoples cultural safety is to be an employer of choice for First Peoples. This will be achieved by fostering a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace that supports First Peoples staff and upholds cultural safety

DFFH and DH’s Aboriginal workforce strategy 2021-2026

DFFH and DH’s Aboriginal workforce strategy 2021-2026 provides a framework for both departments to achieve their vision of becoming employers of choice for Aboriginal people.

The five-year strategy was developed with empowered Aboriginal voice at its core, gathered through extensive consultation with Aboriginal employees and non-Aboriginal employees, including the Wirrigirri Reconciliation program.

Dedicated implementation plans accompany the strategy. These plans are designed to ensure the departments can regularly adapt their implementation actions. The departments will continue to engage Traditional Owners, Aboriginal employees, ACCOs and the tertiary education sector to align the implementation of their strategy to the needs of all First Peoples in Victoria.

DEECA’s Aboriginal Cultural Safety Framework

The Aboriginal Cultural Safety Framework is an Aboriginal-led and evaluated initiative that aims to embed Aboriginal self-determination in DEECA’s practices, policies, procedures, and daily administration. By embedding self-determination, the framework will drive change throughout the department by creating and transforming culturally safe places for Aboriginal staff members, stakeholders and visitors.

DEECA’s commitment to Aboriginal cultural safety is organised around four action areas:

1. DEECA staff are culturally capable and demonstrate this capability in all the work they do
2. First Nations staff feel valued and supported in their career and career development, have access to culturally appropriate employee support and see DEECA as an employer of choice
3. First Nations staff feel culturally safe and supported to express their cultural identity and practice culture
4. DEECA is accountable to its commitment to supporting self-determination and building safe and respectful workplaces

DJCS’ Aboriginal Workforce Strategy 2024-2027

The Aboriginal Workforce Strategy 2024-2027 is part of an integrated approach to enhance the DJCS’ cultural capability, support DJCS’ Aboriginal workforce, and benefit Aboriginal communities through improved policy making, well‑informed program design, implementation and evaluation.

The strategy expands on the former Koori Employment and Career Strategy 2017–2020 initiatives and refines existing programs to better serve our Aboriginal workforce. The strategy implements special measures as set out in Section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010, for the purposes of promoting and realising substantive equality and advancement of Aboriginal people within the department workforce. It addresses key recommendations from the Aboriginal Justice Agreement: Phase Four and the Review of the Adult Custodial Corrections System – Safer Prisons, Safer People, Safer Communities.

Advancing Self-Determination and Cultural Safety in Budget at DTF

DTF is committed to building internal cultural capability and embedding self-determination in budget and business case processes. In late 2024 DTF launched the Early Intervention Investment Framework (EIIF) Cultural Safety Framework which was developed in partnership with VACCA and incorporates input from ACCOs and Victorian Government departments engaged in the EIIF.

The EIIF Cultural Safety Framework aims to improve outcomes for First Peoples by listening and learning from the experiences of First Peoples and implementing actions to better support cultural safety and self-determination. The Framework was utilised throughout 2025 to inform the development of EIIF budget proposals.

In 2025, DTF further refined the business case template for budget processes to facilitate collaboration between departments and First Peoples when developing business cases. The templates developed for the 2026-27 budget cycle sought greater specificity on the First Peoples’ involvement and engagement in developing proposals, including accompanying reports, advice and/or letters of endorsement from First Peoples groups or communities.

DTF implemented new information requirements for budget proposals which directly affect or involve First Peoples for the 2026-27 budget process to better integrate First Peoples priorities and perspectives into funding decisions. These changes continue to enhance visibility of how proposals have been developed with First Peoples to enable self-determination and support more informed advice on alignment with Treaty, Truth and Closing the Gap.

Transport and Planning Portfolio First Peoples Cultural Safety Framework and DTP action plan

The Transport and Planning Portfolio First Peoples Cultural Safety Framework (Framework) and DTP Action Plan 2024–2028 were launched during Reconciliation Week 2024.

The Framework consists of 22 actions, with 9 complete, 7 in progress and 6 yet to commence. Some of the key actions in 2025 include:

• extending the First Peoples Employee Assistance Program, delivered by Girraway Ganyi; a Victorian First Peoples-owned consultancy
• supporting people managers to undertake Aboriginal Mental Health Training with Girraway Ganyi
• undertaking a Cultural Safety Audit for First Peoples employees, the first since the implementation of the Framework
• delivering a First Peoples Cultural Safety eLearn module for Portfolio employees
• celebrating First Peoples cultures and histories throughout the year including NAIDOC and Reconciliation Week events.

Victoria Police Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Inclusion Action Plan 2023-2025

The Victoria Police Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Inclusion Action Plan 2023–2025 is part of the Victoria Police Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Framework 2023-2030. It includes six actions relating to strengthening Aboriginal application attraction strategies, establishing a mentoring program, enhancing Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Training, implementing self-determination reform, convening an annual forum for Aboriginal employees and examining options for a centralised coordination function for Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers.

Local communities

Victorian Aboriginal and Local Government Strategy 2021-2026 (VALGS)

The VALGS provides councils across Victoria with practical guidance to embed the voices and priorities of Aboriginal communities at a local government level. It includes a clear framework for shared decision-making processes and actions for Aboriginal Victorians working together with local government based on mutual control, shared power and decision-making, fairness, respect, and trust.

The VALGS is centred on seven strategic pillars:

• culture, respect and trust
• awareness and engagement
• accountability and direction
• governance and participation
• economic participation
• health and wellbeing
• resourcing and funding.

These seven pillars will help councils meet their commitments and move towards self-determination.

DGS continued to support the implementation of VALGS throughout 2024-2025. DGS met with First Nations groups and peak bodies to explore opportunities to collaborate and establish a coordinated approach to work on strengthening local government and First Peoples relationships.

A Local Government First Peoples Coordination Group was established in 2025 to ensure that initiatives are well communicated across the sector, coordinated and avoid duplication of effort. It is intended that this group will continue to meet in 2026 to explore ways to help councils to build collaborative partnerships with First Peoples and identify pathways to self-determination for Aboriginal Victorians.

Geelong City Deal

Regional Development Victoriahas prioritised meaningful partnerships with Traditional Owners, through the lens of Country Plansin delivering the Geelong City Deal (GCD). This includes advocating for and receivingAustralian Government fundingto support and resource Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) to partner on GCD projects. Thisadvocacy was done in recognition of the resource constrained environment and significant cultural load RAPs and Traditional Owners can experience when partnering on government projects.

In delivery of the GCD Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment, RDV has worked closely with the Traditional Owners in the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC) to ensure that culture and Country are respected. This work involved coordinating the design of legal clauses relating to Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP) informed by feedback from EMAC. In addition to this EMAC has been supported through the design of the Immersive Gallery within the new Visitor Experience Centre.

RDV has prioritised cultural safety and connection to Country in the delivery of the GCD Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre. The delivery team built on the partnership with Traditional Owners in the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) that was established in earlier phases of GCD delivery. The partnership with WTOAC has involved the crafting of a project narrative, involvement in the tender evaluation, gifting a name in language and determining a set of design principles to guide a thorough co-design process. This approach has ensured that the cultural heritage and history of the site and its surrounds is properly acknowledged and celebrated in Geelong (or Djilang).

International

International Trade

Victoria is a signatory to the National Statement on First Nations Trade and Investment (the National Statement), which launched in August 2025. The National Statement sets out the strategic intent of participating jurisdictions to work collaboratively to improve trade and investment opportunities for First Peoples.

Global Victoria and the Aboriginal Economic Development branch in DJSIR represented Victoria on the cross-jurisdictional working group that developed the National Statement. Victoria appointed an inaugural First Nations Trade Envoy in October 2025. This role will represent the state globally and provide strategic advice and guidance to government on First Peoples trade activities, capability building, and best practice. The role is held by the Commissioner for Victoria to North Asia, Josh Riley, based in Tokyo.

World Expo 2025

Aboriginal Economic Development (AED) branch in DJSIR delivered an Immersion Program to support First Peoples organisations from Victoria to attend the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan during Te Aratini Indigenous Peoples Week (Te Aratini). Te Aratini showcases Indigenous culture, perspectives and contributions to foster and build international relationships. 10 representatives from 6 First Peoples businesses and Traditional Owner Corporations participated.

Victorian Public Service

Barring Djinang First Peoples’ Workforce Development Strategy (2025-2028)

In 2025, the Victorian Public Sector Commission (VPSC) progressed implementation of the refreshed Barring Djinang First Peoples’ Workforce Development Strategy (2025-2028) (Strategy), consolidating early gains and strengthening impact. The Strategy drives action to increase First Peoples employment and build leadership capability across the Victorian Public Sector.

First Nations employees continue to access targeted career development and leadership pathways, supporting workforce capability and growth. Key initiatives include:

• Barring Djinang First Peoples Leadership Program - redesigned for the Victorian context, equipping First Peoples leaders to navigate a public sector shaped by self-determination, truth-telling and Treaty, with culturally safe, targeted development alongside established First Nations leaders.
• First Peoples Mentoring Pilot Program – fully designed for implementation in 2026, delivering culturally safe, structured mentoring through training, one-on-one support and tailored development to strengthen career progression and leadership capability.
• Nyanak Lotjpa (‘we all talk’) - First Nations staff network fostering connection and collaboration across government, with membership exceeding 215 employees.

In parallel, the VPSC has worked to strengthen cultural capability across the sector through:

• Victorian Government Executive Essentials Program – equipping over 70 new executives with core capabilities, including a dedicated module on Treaty, self-determination, culturally responsive leadership and accountability.
• The Victorian Government Graduate Program, First Peoples Pathway – provides culturally safe, supported entry, strengthening participation and representation of First Nations graduates as part of the Victorian Governments commitment to self-determination and improved social and economic outcomes.
• Expanded deficit discourse training - delivered to Victorian Government Graduate Program participants, their managers and supervisors, promoting strengths-based approaches to over 140 employees.

Collectively, these initiatives are contributing to a more capable, responsive and inclusive Victorian Public Sector.

Yani Bangal Transport and Planning Portfolio First Peoples Careers Strategy 2023 – 2028 (Yani Bangal)

DTP launched Yani Bangal in 2023. Yani Bangal is underpinned by a 2 per cent First Peoples employment target and includes 42 actions. Of the 42 actions, 20 are completed (some ongoing), 15 are in progress and 6 are yet to commence. Some of the key actions completed in 2025 include:

• implementing a Cultural and Ceremonial Leave policy
• developing a suite of cultural safety training programs
• undertaking a cultural safety audit for First Peoples employees and using data to direct actions and monitor progress
• delivering the fifth annual Yani Bangal Scholarship Program
• providing regular opportunities for the First Peoples Staff Network to connect
• holding the fourth annual First Peoples Staff Conference.

Overview

Aboriginal people, organisations and businesses already make valuable contributions to Victoria’s diverse economy. If the talent and aspiration of Aboriginal Victorians is given full expression in the Victorian economy, there is significant opportunity for Aboriginal income growth.

Measures under Goal 10 have no new data

All measures under Goal 10 rely on the Census of Population and Housing and are therefore only available every five years.

Closing the Gap – Relevant Outcomes and Targets for Goal 10

The National Agreement does not contain outcomes and targets that align with this VAAF goal. Victoria is pursuing more ambitious and comprehensive goals under the VAAF, which are reported on in this chapter and the Data Dashboard.

Closing the Gap - How Victoria is tracking nationally

Not applicable.

Goal 10 – Victorian Government Investment and Action

Our shared commitment:

Holistic approaches to Aboriginal health and wellbeing are critical to improving outcomes. This includes not only considering the physical, mental and social determinants of Aboriginal health, wellbeing and safety, but also the cultural determinants, such as connection to culture and Country. While many Aboriginal Victorians report good health, health inequities remain.

Together, government service providers, Aboriginal organisations and communities must take significant steps to ensure that all Aboriginal Victorians have access to high-quality, culturally safe and responsive health care services. Improving overall health outcomes and having a good quality of life is a basic necessity to ensure all Victorian Aboriginal communities can thrive.

Overview

While many Aboriginal Victorians report good health, improving health outcomes and having a good quality of life will ensure all Victorian Aboriginal communities can thrive.

Measures under Goal 11 have mixed results

Rates of daily smoking reduced while self-reported health has remained steady.
The other measures under this goal are complex in nature and need to be considered in full in the chapter below.

Goal 11 directly aligns with the following Closing the Gap Outcome and Target

Outcome 1 People enjoy long and healthy lives.

• Target 1 Close the gap in life expectancy within a generation, by 2031.

Closing the Gap - How Victoria is tracking nationally

Outcome 1: Nationally, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males born in 2020–22 are expected to live to 71.9 years and females to 75.6 years, and non-Indigenous males and females to 80.6 years and 83.8 years respectively. Nationally, based on progress from the baseline year (2005-07), the target shows improvement but is not on track to be met for males or females.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander estimates of life expectancy are currently not produced for Victoria due to under-identification in deaths records, small sample sizes, data collection issues and statistical challenges associated with the calculation methods. There are ongoing efforts to improve the quality of data on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander deaths.

Measure 11.1.3 Rate of daily smoking

Goal 11 – Victorian Government Investment and Action

Overview

Access to primary health care is essential for supporting equitable health outcomes. Primary health care also plays an important role in prevention and early detection. Ensuring all Aboriginal Victorians can access the services they need means responding to the diversity of clients’ needs.

Measures under Goal 12 have improved

More Aboriginal people are attending health checks or assessments and breast cancer screenings.
Access to both disability services through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and aged care services have also increased in 2025.

Goal 12 directly aligns with the following Closing the Gap Outcome and Target

The National Agreement does not contain outcomes and targets that align with this VAAF goal. Victoria is pursuing more ambitious and comprehensive goals under the VAAF, which are reported on in this chapter and the Data Dashboard.

Closing the Gap - How Victoria is tracking nationally

Not applicable.

Measure 12.1.6 Services implement strategies, partnerships and campaigns, and offer care and support that is inclusive and address the needs of Aboriginal people who are LGBTQIASB+

Goal 12 – Victorian Government Investment and Action

Overview

It is important that Aboriginal Victorians can access culturally safe and culturally responsive health services when they need it – whether this is from an Aboriginal organisation or a mainstream service.

Measures under Goal 13 have worsened

Only one measure has new data under goal 13; Measure 13.1.3 Hospitalisations where patients left against medical advice/were discharged at own risk.

More Aboriginal people are leaving hospital against medical advice in 2025.

Closing the Gap – Relevant Outcomes and Targets for Goal 13

The National Agreement does not contain outcomes and targets that align with this VAAF goal. Victoria is pursuing more ambitious and comprehensive goals under the VAAF, which are reported on in this chapter and the Data Dashboard.

Closing the Gap - How Victoria is tracking nationally

Not applicable.

Goal 13 – Victorian Government Investment and Action

Overview

Connection to family, kinship and community has a strong influence on social and emotional wellbeing. It is vital that all Aboriginal Victorians have social networks they can draw upon for everyday practical and emotional support, as well as during times of need.

Measures under Goal 14 have varied in performance

Psychological distress has decreased in the short term but increased in the long term.
Mental health service provision has increased. This could indicate that services are more accessible to Aboriginal people, or it could mean demand has increased.

Goal 14 aligns with the following Closing the Gap Outcome and Target

Outcome 14 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people enjoy high levels of social and emotional wellbeing.

• Target 14 Significant and sustained reduction in suicide of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people towards zero.

The VAAF contains measures related to social and emotional wellbeing but not suicide.

Closing the Gap - How Victoria is tracking nationally

Outcome 14: For the years 2020 to 2024, the mortality due to suicide rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria was 33.8 per 100,000 people. Of the six jurisdictions with available data (after adjusting for differences in population age structures), Victoria has the third highest suicide rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Goal 14 – Victorian Government Investment and Action

Our shared commitment

Most Aboriginal people will never be involved with the criminal justice system. Those who are, however, are more likely to experience ongoing involvement. Systemic and structural barriers lead to Aboriginal over-representation in the justice system and entrenched cycles of disadvantage. These barriers include inequality, racism, discrimination and unconscious bias, social and economic disadvantage and involvement with the child protection system. While the over-representation of Aboriginal people remains, community-led responses are going some way to address these underlying structural factors.

Overview

Systemic and structural barriers that Aboriginal people experience, such as racism, social and economic disadvantage and involvement in the child protection system, can lead to over-representation in the justice system and entrenched cycles of disadvantage.

Measures under Goal 15 have worsened

Overall, the overrepresentation of Aboriginal people in the justice system has worsened. Over the past year, numbers and rates of Aboriginal men and women processed by police have increased, as have the numbers and rates of Aboriginal men and women in prison. The number and rate of Aboriginal young people (10-17) in detention have also increased.
Improvements under this goal include decreased rates of Aboriginal men and women under community-based corrections supervision, and a decrease in the proportion of Aboriginal men and women returning to prison under sentence within two years of release.

Closing the Gap - How Victoria is tracking nationally

Outcome 10: In 2025, the age-standardised rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners was 2,500.2 per 100,000 adults across Australia, compared to 1,636.2 per 100,000 adults in Victoria. Nationally, based on progress from the baseline year (2019), the rate is worsening. In Victoria, there has been some improvement since the baseline year.

Outcome 11: In 2024-25, the rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people (10–17 years) in detention on an average day across Australia was 25.7 per 10,000 young people, compared to 8.1 per 10,000 young people in Victoria. Victoria has continued to exceed Target 11, with a 47 per cent reduction in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people incarceration rates since 2018-19.

Goal 15 directly aligns with the following Closing the Gap Outcomes and Targets

Outcome 10: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults are not overrepresented in the criminal justice system.

• Target 10: By 2031, reduce the rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults held in incarceration by at least 15 per cent.

Outcome 11: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people are not overrepresented in the criminal justice system.

• Target 11: By 2031, reduce the rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people (10‑17 years) in detention by at least 30 per cent.

Goal 15 – Victorian Government Investment and Action

Overview

Prevention and early intervention can keep Aboriginal young people, women and men out of the criminal justice system. This also requires intersectional services in health, child protection, homelessness and family violence, to deliver effective prevention and early intervention support.

Measures under Goal 16 have worsened

Overall Aboriginal people have less access to culturally safe justice support services. Fewer Aboriginal youth and adults are receiving culturally safe intensive bail support programs.

Closing the Gap – Relevant Outcomes and Targets for Goal 16

The National Agreement does not have outcomes and targets that align with this VAAF goal. Victoria is pursuing more ambitious and comprehensive goals under the VAAF, which are reported on in this chapter and the Data Dashboard.

Closing the Gap - How Victoria is tracking nationally

Not applicable.

Goal 16 – Victorian Government Investment and Action

Overview

Historic injustices have contributed to mistrust of police and the justice system amongst some Aboriginal communities. Community-led justice responses are working to address local issues and build greater trust between Elders, community and police.

Measures under Goal 17 have mixed results

Closing the Gap – Relevant Outcomes and Targets for Goal 17

The National Agreement does not contain outcomes and targets that align with this VAAF goal. Victoria is pursuing more ambitious and comprehensive goals under the VAAF, which are reported on in this chapter and the Data Dashboard.

Closing the Gap - How Victoria is tracking nationally

Not applicable.

Goal 17 – Victorian Government Investment and Action

Our shared commitment

Victorian Aboriginal communities and peoples are culturally diverse, with rich and varied languages, traditions, and histories. Aboriginal Victorians hold distinct cultural rights, including the right to maintain their spiritual, material, and economic relationship with their traditional lands and waters and continue to strengthen and grow with the resurgence of language, lore, and cultural knowledge.

The richness and diversity of Aboriginal history and culture in Victoria, and the resilience and strength of past and present Aboriginal communities and peoples, is something for all Victorians to acknowledge and celebrate.

Overview

Aboriginal Victorians hold distinct cultural rights, including the right to maintain their spiritual, material and economic relationship with their traditional lands and waters. The connection to land, water and resources on Country is important to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal Victorians, particularly Traditional Owners.

Measures under Goal 18 have improved

There are more formal partnerships for cultural heritage and water management between Aboriginal communities and Registered Aboriginal Parties and with the Victorian Government.

Goal 18 directly aligns with the following Closing the Gap Outcome and Targets

Outcome 15: People maintain a distinctive cultural, spiritual, physical and economic relationship with their land and waters.

• Target 15a: By 2030, a 15 per cent increase in Australia’s land mass subject to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s legal rights or interests.
• Target 15b: By 2030, a 15 per cent increase in areas covered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s legal rights or interests in the sea.

Closing the Gap - How Victoria is tracking nationally

Outcome 15a and 15b: As at 30 June 2025, 4,421,946 square kilometres of the land mass of Australia and 113,496 square kilometres of the sea country of Australia were subject to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s rights or interests. Nationally, based on progress from the baseline year (2020), both the land mass and sea country targets show improvement and are on track to be met. In Victoria, between 2024 to 2025, the land mass subject to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s rights or interests decreased by 1 square kilometre (to 16,350 square kilometres) and the sea country subject to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s rights or interests did not change (295 square kilometres).

Goal 18 – Victorian Government Investment and Action

Overview

Connectedness to culture and community strengthens individual and collective identities, and promotes self-esteem, resilience and improved outcomes for Aboriginal people.

Measures under Goal 19 have improved

Victoria continues to fund language revitalisation programs.

Language is not just a tool for communication it is crucial for land justice, health and every aspect of life. Colonial practices punished First Peoples for speaking their language. Through the strength of First Peoples’ that wrong is being overturned.

Goal 19 directly aligns with the following Closing the Gap Outcome and Target

Outcome 16: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and languages are strong, supported and flourishing.

• Target 16: By 2031, there is a sustained increase in number and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages being spoken.

Closing the Gap - How Victoria is tracking nationally

Outcome 16: Nationally in 2018–19, there were 123 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages being spoken (with 14 considered strong). In Victoria in 2018–19, there were 4 languages being spoken (with 0 considered strong). This target relies on data from the National Indigenous Languages Survey which is conducted at irregular intervals. There is currently no new data since the baseline year of 2018–19.

Goal 19 – Victorian Government Investment and Action

Overview

Racism can have a harmful impact on the cultural identity and confidence of Aboriginal Victorians. Research shows that experiences of racism can also have detrimental long-term health effects, both mentally and physically.

Measures under Goal 20 have mixed results

Aboriginal peoples’ experiences of racism has remained steady. Aboriginal people in Australia have also reported that Australia is a less racist county than previous years.

Closing the Gap – Relevant Outcomes and Targets for Goal 20

The National Agreement Priority Reform Three requires that government institutions and agencies identify and eliminate racism. Victoria is pursuing more ambitious and comprehensive goals under the VAAF which are reported on in this chapter and the Data Dashboard.

Closing the Gap - How Victoria is tracking nationally

Not applicable.

Goal 20 – Victorian Government Investment and Action