19/03/2026
Today, on Close the Gap Day, the Australian College of Nursing calls on governments to implement the legislative and public sector reforms advocated by the Close the Gap Campaign.
Its key asks are to:
Enshrine the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in domestic law, ensuring the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are recognised, protected and enforceable.
Reform government systems to enable legal accountability for implementing the National Agreement and addressing racism.
Invest in long-term, community-controlled solutions through Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and healing initiatives.
The evidence is clear: outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities improve when driven by community-led initiatives and holistic approaches to wellbeing that embrace family, culture and Country. Without these reforms, systemic failures will persist and progress will remain fragile and uneven.
ACN acknowledges all the nurses, midwives and their colleagues delivering culturally safe, holistic care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
