ALGA has released a new resource to help close the gap for Indigenous Australians.

The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has worked with its state and territory association members to create a guide that sets out key actions councils can undertake to meet the priority reforms in the landmark National Agreement on Closing the Gap signed in 2020.

ALGA President Linda Scott says the Implementation Plan shows local government has a strong commitment to giving First Nations people the means to build stronger communities.

“In many communities, councils are proud to be a major employer of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and benefit from the skills of our highly trained, knowledgeable people in the work we do,” Cr Scott said.

“This Implementation Plan is also about providing local governments additional tools to embrace collaboration with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to deliver the Closing the Gap objectives in ways tailored to their individual circumstances and needs.”

To help ensure better life outcomes for First Nations peoples, advocates say council representatives must be engaged in the co-design of the Indigenous Voice – and for Aboriginal community-controlled councils to be recognised nationally.

A motion to support the recognition of Aboriginal controlled councils and ensure stronger collaboration across all levels of government won unanimous support at the National General Assembly of Local Government in June after being put forward by the East Arnhem Regional Council.

The neighbouring West Arnhem Regional Council supports indigenous employment by being a member of Supply Nation - a national database of verified Indigenous businesses facilitating closer connections between Indigenous businesses and procurement departments.

“Our Implementation Plan will build on this work and enhance the shared policy development and decision-making at the local government level that is fundamental to support the development of First Nations communities,” Cr Scott said.

The plan is accessible here.