More work needed on indigenous wellbeing

HIGHLIGHTS OF 12TH CLOSING THE GAP REPORT:

* Child Mortality

Target: Halve the gap in mortality rates for indigenous children under five within a decade by 2018 - Not met.

In 2018, the indigenous child mortality rate was 141 per 100,000 - twice the rate for non-indigenous children (67 per 100,000). While the indigenous child mortality rate has improved slightly, the rate for non-indigenous children has improved at a faster rate.

* Early Childhood Education

Target: 95 per cent of all indigenous four-year-olds enrolled in early childhood education by 2025 - On track.

In 2018, 86.4 per cent of indigenous four-year-olds were enrolled in early childhood education compared with 91.3 per cent of non-indigenous children.

* School Attendance

Target: Close the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous school attendance within five years by 2018 - Not met.

Most indigenous students attended school for an average of just over four days a week in 2019. Gaps in attendance start from the first year of schooling and widen into high school.

* Literacy and Numeracy

Target: Halve the gap for indigenous children in reading, writing and numeracy within a decade by 2018 - Not met but some improvements.

In 2018, about one in four indigenous students in Years 5, 7 and 9, and one in five in Year 3 remained below national minimum standards in reading. Year 3 literacy rates are improving.

* Year 12 Attainment

Target: Halve the gap for indigenous Australians aged 20-24 in Year 12 attainment or equivalent attainment rates by 2020 - On track.

In 2018/19, 66 per cent of indigenous Australians aged 20-24 years had attained Year 12 or equivalent. Over the decade, the proportion of indigenous Australians aged 20-24 years attaining Year 12 or equivalent increased by 21 percentage points.

* Employment

Target: Halve the gap in employment outcomes between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians within a decade by 2018 - Not met (stable).

In 2018, the indigenous employment rate was 49 per cent compared with 75 per cent for non-indigenous Australians.

* Life Expectancy

Target: Close the life expectancy gap within a generation by 2031 - Not on track.

Life expectancy is 71.6 years for indigenous males (8.6 years less than non-indigenous males) and 75.6 years for indigenous females (7.8 years less than non-indigenous females). While there have been improvements in indigenous mortality rates from heart disease, stroke and hypertension, cancer rates are increasing.

(Source: Prime Minister's Office)