The New South Wales Government has launched a new Closing the Gap toolkit aimed at helping councils across the state work more effectively with Aboriginal communities.
Developed in partnership with Local Government NSW (LGNSW) and the Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations (CAPO), the NSW Closing the Gap Toolkit for Local Government includes templates, planning guides, case studies and a self-assessment tool to help councils assess and strengthen their collaboration with Aboriginal organisations.
"We welcome this commitment from LGNSW and the development of this toolkit as a practical step to support councils to work in partnership with Aboriginal communities and organisations, and deliver on their commitments under the National Agreement," CAPO Co-Chair Cr Charles Lynch said.
"Closing the Gap is a shared responsibility across all levels of government. Under the National Agreement, decisions that affect Aboriginal people need to be made through formal partnership and shared decision-making."
The toolkit stems from the NSW Closing the Gap Partnership Agreement, signed in 2024 by the state government, CAPO and LGNSW, and is designed to support councils to align their strategies with the national Priority Reforms, particularly formal partnerships and shared decision-making.
"This toolkit strengthens the way councils work alongside Aboriginal communities, supporting more meaningful and effective collaboration," Local Government NSW President, Mayor Darcy Byrne said.
"Councils understand that when decisions are shaped locally, the results are better for everyone."
As the level of government closest to communities — particularly in regional and remote areas — councils are well placed to partner with Aboriginal organisations to support Aboriginal-led initiatives and deliver local benefits, the government said.
NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris, said all levels of government must work together in genuine partnership with Aboriginal people and communities.
"When Aboriginal voices are at the centre of decision-making, solutions are more effective, locally relevant, and the evidence shows it leads to better outcomes," he said.
"This toolkit is about ensuring every council — regardless of size — can play their part in Closing the Gap in partnership with Aboriginal communities."
Last year, Tamworth Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and Tamworth Regional Council signed Australia's first formal Closing the Gap partnership between a community-controlled organisation and a local council, aligning with Priority Reform 1 of the agreement.
"Local government plays a critical role in communities across NSW, particularly in regional and remote areas," Cr Lynch said.
"Closing the Gap is a shared responsibility across all levels of government. Under the National Agreement, decisions that affect Aboriginal people need to be made through formal partnership and shared decision-making."
Councils can also use the toolkit's self-assessment tool to identify their strengths and areas for improvement in how they engage and collaborate with Aboriginal communities and organisations across their region.
The toolkit is now available online.
