Recent policy and program reviews have found that although stated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education principles and policy statements are sound — commitment, implementation and evaluation by governments have been unsatisfactory.

Failure to properly consult with the communities most impacted has been the most common deficiency in a series of program evaluations.

NATSIEC priorities for action will address identified gaps arising from evaluation findings and robust evidence. Through principles of co-design, NATSIEC contributes to the effectiveness of current and proposed government policy directions, reforms and review evidence to improve education and employment outcomes for Indigenous students and communities in all jurisdictions.

NATSIEC is calling for all governments to recommit to the priorities and goals of the 1989 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Policy.

NATSIEC will advocate to embed the four Priority Reforms of the Closing the Gap Agreement across all sectors of education:

1. Formal partnerships and shared decision-making
2. Building the community-controlled sector
3. Transforming government organisations
4. Shared access to data and information at a regional level.

Too many government agencies are implementing versions of shared decision-making that involve consulting with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on a pre-determined solution, rather than collaborating on the problem and co-designing a solution. Productivity Commission Draft Review of Closing the Gap Agreement, July 2023