An independent federal government evaluation has confirmed Children's Ground is delivering measurable outcomes that support the objectives of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, the organisation says.

The review findings come as national Closing the Gap results continue to show structural failure, with only four targets on track, four worsening and the majority not on track to be met.

Children's Ground noted on Monday that recent Parliamentary debate "reflected heightened scrutiny of Closing the Gap performance and renewed calls for accountability".

"While the Minister for Indigenous Australians reaffirmed the government's commitment to the National Agreement and the need to persist, national outcomes continue to demand approaches that demonstrably shift results. Demonstrated, independently verified outcomes must inform government action," the organisation said.

'First Nations-designed, integrated and evidence-based response'

An independent evaluation commissioned by the federal Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and undertaken by Allen and Clarke provides a comprehensive assessment of the Children's Ground Approach across Central Australia and Darwin. Children's Ground noted the evaluation "confirms that the model delivers a First Nations-designed, integrated and evidence-based response to complex disadvantage, implemented effectively in communities facing serious economic and structural challenges".

Children's Ground's Head of Cultural Integrity in Research and Evaluation, Veronica Doolan, said the evaluation "confirms that our Approach is delivering measurable outcomes aligned with Closing the Gap priorities".

"The government commissioned this report. We met with them, we shared our research and evaluation openly, and we worked with independent external evaluators throughout the process," she said of a process which began in 2024.

"We have been transparent about what we do and how we measure our impact. The findings are clear and independently assessed. The next move sits with government. If there is genuine commitment to achieving the Closing the Gap targets, then supporting a First Nations organisation that is already delivering measurable outcomes is a straightforward and responsible step."

Local community leadership drives progress

Children's Ground said the report identifies their approach is "aligned with leading practice for prevention and responsiveness to complex disadvantage through holistic, place based and First Nations-led design", and confirms "community governance and local employment are central drivers of impact, enabling communities to exercise control and shape solutions that reflect their priorities".

The evaluation found "activities delivered under the Children's Ground approach align closely with government priorities, as set out in departmental and inter-departmental plans and strategies, and in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap".

Measures work when they 'respond directly to the needs and circumstances of communities'

The evaluation also found those activities are implemented effectively because they "respond directly to the needs and circumstances of the communities involved", and that the cost of implementation was reasonable given the context and alignment with leading practice, noting that greater efficiency and effectiveness will rely on consistent and long-term funding.

Among the evaluation's key recommendations, the findings call for "a coordinated, multi-departmental funding approach over an initial seven-year period to support long-term delivery and the generation of evidence on outcomes in Central Australia and Darwin" and the establishment of an inter-agency governance group to oversee funding implementation.

'Sustained, long-term reform' needed

In 2025, Productivity Commission Commissioner Selwyn Button emphasised progress is unlikely unless governments fundamentally rethink how they work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and commit to sustained, long-term reform.

Children's Ground is designed as a 25-year strategy focused on prevention, early intervention and whole of community change. It "operates as a unified, place-based system centred on children and families, led and governed by First Nations people with decision making authority held at community level".

Children's Ground said its work has been sustained largely through philanthropic investment, with government funding contributing to specific program areas. The organisation noted it has been engaged in long term, ongoing discussions with government regarding the future of the Approach. A major, coordinated funding commitment has yet to be confirmed.

Canberra panel to feature First Nations community leaders from Central Australia and NT

On Tuesday morning, the organisation will host a public event at Parliament House in Canberra, in the Mural Hall where community leaders will share their vision for Closing the Gap and First Nations solutions that are working.

The event - running 8am to 9.15am - will feature a panel discussion including First Nations community leaders from Central Australia and the Top End. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss and National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Sue Anne Hunter will be in attendance.

The event will focus on community led solutions, national policy settings and what Closing the Gap outcomes look like on the ground.

Community representatives will directly to the findings of the independent federal evaluation of the Children's Ground Approach and the practical impact of prevention, early intervention and First Nations governance in their communities.