Five Years to Close the Gap — Why a Shared Commitment Matters More Than Ever

The latest Closing the Gap data has landed – and for Target 12, the message is hard to ignore.

There has been no progress in reducing the over‑representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out‑of‑home care since the targets were set in 2020. With just five years left until 2031, it’s clear that business as usual won’t get us there. 

Progress on Target 12 won’t come from one organisation or one part of the system acting alone.

The child protection system wasn’t designed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – and as the numbers clearly illustrate – it hasn’t worked in the best interests of First Nations children, families and communities.

For generations, First Nations leaders, organisations and communities have been clear about what needs to change. Through the work of SNAICC, the Closing the Gap framework, countless inquiries, position papers and marches, there have been calls for systems built on self-determination, community control and cultural strength, rather than systems that remove children and disrupt connection to family, community and Country.

Each part of the child protection system must play a part in making this happen. 

In May 2025, OzChild publicly committed to supporting the self‑determination of First Nations peoples. Since then, our teams across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT have been working carefully and deliberately – strengthening how we work alongside Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and focusing on trust, relationships and shared leadership.

This has included:

As part of OzChild’s commitment, our involvement in partnerships such as Allies for Children and the First Nations NGO Alliance play a key role to help amplify this message and increase our influence.  The organisations involved in these partnerships are responding to the call of First Nations communities and leaders: committing to transitioning care to community‑controlled organisations wherever possible, supporting reunification with family and kin, doing our part to see ACCOs receive proportionate and appropriate funding and supports. 

Every child’s story and circumstances are different. The same can be said for every family, and community. That’s why our approach must be careful, respectful and guided by the voices of children and families, carers and ACCOs.

We’re continuing to strengthen our understanding of the circumstances facing each First Nations child and young person in our programs – factoring in their voices and including the real‑world barriers that can make change complex. This work takes time, trust and honesty. But it’s essential if decisions are to be made in the best interests of children, families and communities.

Target 12 is not just a number on a page. It represents the lives and futures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people – each deserving the chance to grow up safe, loved, and connected to family, culture and community – as all Australian children deserve.

With five years remaining to achieve both OzChild’s commitment and Target 12, we recognise that progress will only happen if we bring courage, collaboration and shared responsibility – across governments, ACCOs, services and communities.

Only together can we change the system to ensure all children belong, all families are supported, and self‑determination is real.