Closing the Gap

Closing the Gap aims to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians by ensuring we work in partnership to deliver change.

The National Agreement on Closing the Gap is the first time a National Agreement has been developed and negotiated in genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Agreement recognises that a shift in how we develop and implement government policies and programs is required for significant improvements in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' life outcomes to be achieved.

Closing the Gap in Queensland

The Queensland Government is committed to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through practical initiatives that create the right foundations for success and support the implementation of the National Agreement’s Priority Reforms.

A targeted approach to Closing the Gap is being implemented in Queensland, prioritising the key areas of education, housing, health and employment to reduce intergenerational disadvantage and accelerate progress across all socio-economic targets under the National Agreement.

These efforts are complemented by initiatives that strengthen supportive and protective factors, including early childhood development, early intervention and prevention, social and emotional wellbeing, languages and culture and economic participation.

Queensland Closing the Gap Implementation Plan

Closing the Gap Priorities Fund

The Closing the Gap Priorities Fund is a Queensland Government initiative designed to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. With an investment of $108 million over three years, this Fund supports housing, education, employment and health initiatives in remote and discrete communities across Queensland.

This Fund reflects the Queensland Government’s commitment to delivering real, measurable change and ensuring that funding is directed where it is needed most. By prioritising infrastructure and essential services, the Fund will provide long-term benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, supporting better living conditions, employment and education outcomes and health services.

Investing in communities

More than $108 million will be available until 2026-27 through the Closing the Gap Priorities Fund. This is unspent funding that had been allocated to the former Path to Treaty Fund and other funding allocations for the Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry and First Nations Treaty Institute.

The Queensland Government invested $37 million for four critical projects during the first tranche of the fund:

• $8 million for Aurukun water supply improvements – modernising water treatment systems and expanding capacity
• $8 million for Kowanyama water supply improvements – ensuring reliable access to clean water for community growth
• $3 million for education facilities for the Buwu Program at Cherbourg State School – enhancing learning spaces to support better education outcomes
• $18 million for water infrastructure in Woorabinda (matched by an Australian Government co-contribution in August 2025).

The second tranche of the Closing the Gap Priorities Fund has now been finalised, with 21 projects approved across Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities throughout Queensland.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councils have been advised of the outcomes, with funding supporting critical infrastructure projects that contribute to improved health, education, housing, employment and living standards.

The Queensland Government is continuing to work with councils and communities to support the successful delivery of approved projects and ensure investments contribute to Closing the Gap priorities and community wellbeing.

The Closing the Gap Priorities Fund represents an important step in improving life outcomes and ensuring sustainable, community-led solutions. Through ongoing engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, the Queensland Government will continue to identify priority projects that align with Closing the Gap targets.

Closing the Gap reports

Previous Annual reports, Implementation plans and other reports are available on the Publications portal.