Following recent changes to departmental responsibilities, the functions of the former Department of Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Communities and the Arts are transitioning to new departments. Work is underway to update departments’ websites.

Closing the Gap

About Closing the Gap

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

The National Agreement on Closing the Gap was launched on 30 July 2020. This 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 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.

Out of over $108 million, an initial investment of $19 million has been allocated to:

  • Aurukun water supply improvements – modernising water treatment systems and expanding capacity - $8 million.
  • Kowanyama water supply improvements – ensuring reliable access to clean water for community growth - $8 million.
  • Buwu Program at Cherbourg State School – enhancing learning spaces to support better education outcomes - $3 million.

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.

Annual reports

Annual reports are available on the Publications portal.

Snapshot reports

Snapshot reports are available on the Publications portal.

Implementation plans

Implementation plans are available on the Publications portal.

Stocktake of Partnership Arrangements

Stocktake of Partnership Arrangements are available on the Publications portal.

Last reviewed:29 April 2025

Last modified:29 April 2025

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence
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Cultural acknowledgement

We pay our respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestors of this land, their spirits and their legacy. The foundations laid by these ancestors—our First Nations peoples—give strength, inspiration and courage to current and future generations towards creating a better Queensland.

Our human rights commitment

We will respect, protect and promote human rights within our decision-making and actions.