National Close The Gap Day

March 20, 2025 is National Close The Gap Day, a significant milestone in Australia's ongoing journey towards health equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As we reflect on nearly two decades of this crucial campaign, it's worth understanding how far we've come and the challenges that still lie ahead.

The story begins in 2005 when Professor Tom Calma's Social Justice Report highlighted the stark health disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The statistics were - and remain - confronting: shorter life expectancy, higher infant mortality rates, and more than double the rate of illness among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

In 2007, sporting legends Catherine Freeman OAM and Ian Thorpe OAM launched what would become a national movement. The campaign gained momentum in 2008 when, following the historic National Apology, then-Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson signed the Close the Gap Statement of Intent, committing to achieving health equality by 2030.

A significant shift occurred in 2020 with the introduction of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, marking a crucial turning point in how these challenges are addressed. This agreement, developed in partnership with over 50 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations (the Coalition of Peaks), established 17 socioeconomic targets and four priority reforms.

Today, in 2025, while progress has been made in some areas, significant challenges remain. The campaign continues to highlight the unacceptable fact that in one of the world's wealthiest nations, preventable conditions like rheumatic heart disease and blindness still disproportionately affect Indigenous communities.

Close The Gap Day reminds us that achieving health equality isn't just about statistics - it's about real people, families, and communities. It's about ensuring every Australian, regardless of their background, has access to the same quality healthcare and life opportunities.

As we mark this day, we're reminded that closing the gap requires ongoing commitment, genuine partnership with Indigenous communities, and sustained action from all Australians. The path to health equality is long, but with continued dedication and collaboration, it's achievable.

Want to get involved? Visit the Close the Gap campaign website to learn more about how you can support this vital initiative.