​Closing the Gap

The Closing the Gap framework is an Australian government strategy that aims to reduce disadvantage among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The objective of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (the National Agreement) is to enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and governments to work together to overcome the inequality experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and achieve life outcomes equal to all Australians.

The National Agreement has 17 national socio-economic targets across areas that have an impact on life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Three of the targets relate to crime and justice.

Target 10: Adults are not overrepresented in the criminal justice system

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

Data and resources:

Quarterly Report: NSW Closing the Gap Target 10 Quarterly Report - Aboriginal Adults (pdf)

Regional data file: Aboriginal adults contacts with the Justice system by region (Excel)

Dashboard: Adults in custody

​Slide deck: What is driving Aboriginal adult incarceration in NSW? (PowerPoint)

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Target 11: Young people are not overrepresented in the criminal justice system

By 2031, reduce the rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people (10-17 years) in detention by 30 per cent.

Data and resources:

Quarterly Report: NSW Closing the Gap Target 11 Quarterly Report - Aboriginal Young People (pdf)

Regional data file: Young Aboriginal contacts with the Justice system by region (Excel)

Dashboard: Young people in custody

Slide deck: Aboriginal youth detention (PowerPoint)​

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Target 13: Aboriginal female and young victims of violence*

​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%, as progress towards zero.

Note: Trajectory to target represents the linear trajectory between the 2019 baseline value and the 2031 target. The Target is the target number, calculated by applying target rate to ABS population estimate and projection. Trajectory to target and target meet in 2031.

* Police recorded Aboriginal female and child victims of domestic-violence related assault.       

Data and resources:

Annual Report: NSW Closing the Gap Target 13 - Aboriginal women and child victims of domestic violence (pdf)

Regional data file: Aboriginal women and child victims of domestic violence by region (Excel)

Slide deck: Domestic and family violence in NSW: An Aboriginal focus (PowerPoint)