New Toolkit Helps Local Councils To Close The Gap

The NSW government has launched a toolkit to support local councils work in closer collaboration with Aboriginal communities to help close the gap.

Developed in partnership with Local Government NSW (LGNSW) and the Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations, the NSW Closing the Gap Toolkit for Local Government includes practical examples and case studies from across the state, templates for planning and policy making and a self-assessment tool to guide councils on their progress.

“We welcome this commitment from LGNSW and the development of this toolkit as a practical step to support councils to work in partnership with Aboriginal communities and organisations, and deliver on their commitments under the National Agreement,” said NSW CAPO Co-Chair Cr Charles Lynch.

“Closing the Gap is a shared responsibility across all levels of government. Under the National Agreement, decisions that affect Aboriginal people need to be made through formal partnership and shared decision-making.

“Local government plays a critical role in communities across NSW, particularly in regional and remote areas.”

The toolkit is a key initiative that emerged from the NSW Closing the Gap Partnership Agreement signed by the NSW government, CAPO, and LGNSW in February 2024, and aligns with the national Priority Reform relating to formal partnership and shared decision making.

Designed to shape decision locally

Local Government NSW President and Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said the toolkit provided practical and meaningful ways for councils work alongside Aboriginal communities for more effective collaboration.

“Councils understand that when decisions are shaped locally, the results are better for everyone,” he said.

“This toolkit gives councils practical ways to continue to strengthen how we plan, partner and deliver with Aboriginal communities. By working in genuine partnership, we can build trust, support shared decision making and achieve better outcomes for everyone.”

Local councils are often the closest level of government to Aboriginal communities, and are well positioned to work in partnership with Aboriginal organisations to support local Aboriginal-led Closing the Gap initiatives.

NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris, said all levels of government needed to work together in partnership with Aboriginal people and communities to make effective change.

“When Aboriginal voices are at the centre of decision-making, solutions are more effective, locally relevant, and the evidence shows it leads to better outcomes,” he said.

“This toolkit is about ensuring every council — regardless of size — can play their part in Closing the Gap in partnership with Aboriginal communities.”