Despite efforts, a significant gap still exists between the life outcomes of Aboriginal and non Aboriginal people. It will take significant engagement, effort and time to bring about real change and achieve better outcomes.
One of the key challenges the Strategy recognises is that WA is not on track to meet the National Agreement on Closing the Gap targets. WA has recorded the largest gap of all jurisdictions for life expectancy of males, at 13.4 years. In 2018, the child mortality rate for Indigenous children was 141 per 100,000 which is twice the rate of non-Indigenous children. The employment rate for Indigenous Australians was around 49%, compared to 79% for non-Indigenous Australians.
The Strategy recognises that Aboriginal people are strong and resilient, with an enduring culture, deep knowledge, history and connection to country, and acknowledges that existing systems are not serving Aboriginal people as well as they could. WA’s infrastructure planning and delivery approach has been shaped around western ideals and standards and has not always included early, genuine and culturally appropriate engagement with Aboriginal people. This has resulted in infrastructure and assets that Aboriginal people do not connect with.
While some progress is being made, more needs to be done through infrastructure development to build cultural understanding and respect, boost economic opportunities and improve participation, and enable fit for purpose community-led infrastructure solutions. It will take some time to embed and normalise new processes and realise improved outcomes for Aboriginal people.
A new approach is needed to deliver improved life outcomes; one that places culture at the centre, embraces inclusive and genuine partnerships, and structurally changes the way government works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Giving Aboriginal people a greater say over decisions that impact them will result in real changes and greater success.
Infrastructure planning, design, delivery, operation and maintenance offers a range of opportunities for Aboriginal empowerment and self‑determination, and to improve outcomes.