The National Indigenous Reform Agreement 2019: Breaking it Down
The National Indigenous Reform Agreement (NIRA) 2019 is a historic agreement between the Australian Government and Indigenous Australians, aimed at improving the lives and opportunities of First Nations people across the country.
The agreement sets out a series of ambitious targets across a range of areas, including health, education, employment, and justice. These targets are based on a framework of partnership, transparency, and accountability, and are supported by significant investment from both the Federal Government and Indigenous communities.
So, what are some of the key targets set out in the NIRA 2019?
Health
One of the key health targets is to close the gap in life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians by 2031. This will be achieved through a range of measures, including improving access to healthcare services, reducing rates of chronic disease, and addressing social determinants of health such as housing, education, and employment.
Education
The education targets in the NIRA 2019 are focused on improving outcomes for Indigenous students, from early childhood through to tertiary education. These include increasing the proportion of Indigenous children enrolled in early childhood education, improving literacy and numeracy rates, and closing the gap in Year 12 attainment by 2025.
Employment
The NIRA 2019 aims to increase employment outcomes for Indigenous Australians, with a target of halving the employment gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians by 2038. This will be achieved through a range of measures, including targeted employment programs, better education and training opportunities, and greater consultation with Indigenous communities on employment policies and programs.
Justice
The NIRA 2019 also includes a range of targets aimed at reducing rates of incarceration and improving justice outcomes for Indigenous Australians. These include reducing rates of family and domestic violence, improving access to justice services, and increasing Indigenous participation in justice decision-making processes.
Overall, the National Indigenous Reform Agreement 2019 represents a significant step forward in addressing the inequality and disadvantage experienced by Indigenous Australians. However, achieving these targets will require a sustained commitment from both the Federal Government and Indigenous communities, as well as ongoing collaboration and partnership between all stakeholders. With the right support and investment, there is reason to hope that the NIRA 2019 could mark a turning point in Australia`s ongoing reconciliation journey.