Indigenous Expenditure Report

Despite the commitment of significant government expenditure over many years, disparities between outcomes for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians persist (particularly in the areas of life expectancy, child mortality, educational attainment and economic participation).

The Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage report examines outcomes for Indigenous people across a range of strategic areas.

The reasons for these persistent gaps are complex, arising from a mix of historical, social and economic causes. Yet there has been limited information with which to assess the adequacy, effectiveness and efficiency of expenditure on programs aimed at addressing these disparities.

In December 2007, Council of Australian Governments (COAG) committed to reporting transparently on expenditure on services to Indigenous Australians.

The Indigenous Expenditure Report Steering Committee — under the auspices of the Heads of Treasuries — is developing a National Framework for collecting and reporting information on government expenditure on services to Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

A high-level overview of the reporting approach was endorsed by COAG at its 2 July 2009 meeting in Darwin. The Steering Committee is currently developing the detailed methodology that will underpin reporting.

The Steering Committee is conscious of the knowledge and experience held by a wide-range of stakeholders and practitioners, and will consult widely with Indigenous organisations, governments and researchers in developing the report framework and methodology.

The first data report is expected to be delivered to Heads of Treasuries by mid-2010. However, identifying the share of government expenditure that relates to Indigenous people is a complex exercise, and the quality of reporting is likely to improve across subsequent reports.

Contact

Secretariat for the Indigenous Expenditure Report Steering Committee
Locked Bag 2 Collins Street East
Melbourne VIC 8003

Phone: (03) 9653 2391
Fax: (03) 9653 2359
Email: gsp.ier@pc.gov.au

Further information

• COAG 'Closing the Gap in Indigenous Disadvantage' commitments (external link)