A stabilisation in the developmental progress of Indigenous children suggests targeted programs may be starting to make a difference, according to the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

The 2024 Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) National Report shows the percentage of First Nations children assessed as developmentally on track across all five key areas — physical health and wellbeing, social competence, emotional maturity, language and cognitive skills (school-based), and communication skills and general knowledge — has remained relatively steady. The rate slightly declined from 34.3 per cent in 2021 to 33.9 per cent in 2024, a change the report described as "non-significant".

In addition, the percentage of Indigenous children developmentally vulnerable in one or more domains (DV1) and two or more domains (DV2) also remained stable. Notably, developmental vulnerability decreased in two key domains — language and cognitive skills, and communication skills and general knowledge — bucking a national trend.

Catherine Liddle, Chief Executive of SNAICC – National Voice for our Children, welcomed the signs of resilience however warned the progress is not yet good enough.

"It's not good enough," Ms Liddle said of the overall figures, adding the data sends a clear signal to governments: there is more work to do under the National Closing the Gap Agreement.

"We still aren't seeing the action and improvement needed to close the gap," she said.

"However, this data also gives us a signal that Aboriginal-led programs under Closing the Gap are not only making a difference but are a major part of the solution."

The Arrernte/Luritja woman from Central Australia pointed out while national outcomes in early childhood development are declining, Indigenous children "appear more resilient to this trend."

The AEDC, the nation's only census tracking early childhood development, plays a key role in measuring outcomes under the Closing the Gap framework.

Outcome 4 of the National Agreement seeks to increase the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children assessed as developmentally on track across all five domains to 55 per cent by 2031.

To accelerate progress, Ms Liddle urged governments to scale up their investment in Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), particularly in early childhood education and care (ECEC).

"Evidence shows that there is change happening. We know that ACCO-led and self-determined initiatives are working," she said.

"Governments must listen, invest and act now if we're serious about closing the gap for our children."