Invest in People, Not Communities, to Close the Indigenous Gap: Researcher

A researcher says that real change will only happen if children are removed from harmful community influences and given proper education elsewhere.

Children of the Yolngu people from north-eastern Arnhem Land prepare to perform the Bunggul traditional dance during the Garma Festival near Nhulunbuy, East Arnhem Land, in Australia, on Aug. 4, 2018. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

An Indigenous Australian researcher says education is the key to addressing entrenched disadvantage in Aboriginal communities, as new data shows most Closing the Gap targets are not on track.

The Productivity Commission has reported that, out of the 19 socio-economic targets, only four have met expectations, with several stagnating or worsening.