Priority Reform 1 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap drives NSW CAPO's efforts to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in decision-making at all levels. This initiative prioritises embedding ownership, responsibility, and expertise within these communities to ensure their central role in closing the gap.

Shared decision-making is pivotal, empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to co-author policies and drive progress alongside governments through formal partnerships. Our project on Aboriginal Data Sovereignty and Governance epitomises this commitment, restructuring NSW Data Ecosystems while enabling community engagement with government-held data.

Drawing from the Partnership Agreement and engagements in 2019, we're operationalising these ideals through policy and place-based partnerships. Policy partnerships target sectors like justice, wellbeing, early childhood development, housing, and language preservation, ensuring coherent policies and targeted interventions. Meanwhile, place-based partnerships focus on local solutions, uniting governments and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives to address region-specific priorities, leveraging community expertise and cultural insights.

By 2024, the National Agreement mandates the establishment of at least six new place-based partnerships, reinforcing grassroots initiatives and community-driven solutions. These partnerships, formalised through agreements, signify our commitment to equitable collaboration and shared accountability in advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination.

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Priority Reform #2: Building the Community-Controlled Sector
Priority Reform #3: Transforming Government Organisations
Priority Reform #4: Shared Access to Data and Information at a Regional Level