Implementing 'Closing the Gap' policy through mainstream service provision: A South Australian case study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Indigenous Studies
• Policy Analysis

Background:

• The Australian government's Closing the Gap strategy aims to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child well-being.
• Examined the implementation of Closing the Gap policy in early childhood services in Southern Adelaide (2008-2018).
• Critiqued the complexity and challenges of policies lacking Aboriginal control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the implementation of Closing the Gap early childhood policies in Southern Adelaide.
• To identify challenges and complexities in policy delivery.
• To assess the extent of Aboriginal control in policy implementation.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative case study conducted in Southern Adelaide.
• Interviews with 16 policy actors from health and early childhood education sectors.
• Thematic analysis of interview data to understand policy implementation through mainstream structures.

Main Results:

• Closing the Gap strategy implementation was rapid, with short-term funding and cuts to Aboriginal health services.
• Consultation processes were tokenistic, and services were mainstreamed.
• Aboriginal leaders' influence varied; participants called for culturally safe services to improve child and community health.

Conclusions:

• Closing the Gap policy implementation in Southern Adelaide was rushed, complex, and lacked Aboriginal control, marginalizing Indigenous leaders and disengaging communities.
• Findings indicate policy implementation reflects colonial power imbalances.
• An Aboriginal-led, collaborative approach is essential for effective policy reform and addressing health inequities.