Conclusion
Closing the Gap is a great national challenge, but also a great national opportunity to achieve lasting change and ensure that future generations of Indigenous Australians have all the opportunities enjoyed by other Australians to live full, healthy lives and achieve their potential.
All sections of the Australian community have a role to play in rising to this challenge – governments, Indigenous Australians, the corporate and community sectors, and the wider community. A long road lies ahead, but the new partnerships emerging between governments, business and the wider community have the potential to achieve results where previous efforts have failed.
Closing the Gap will require practical, determined and sweeping measures in Indigenous life expectancy, health, housing, education and employment. The significance of the National Apology will now be matched by the substance of sustained action and real progress.