Australia closes preschool enrollment gap for First Nations children

The Australian Government announced that more than 95% of preschool‑aged First Nations children are now enrolled in early‑learning programs, meeting Target 3 of the Closing the Gap agenda. The Productivity Commission’s Annual Data Compilation Report, released on 30 July, shows enrolment has risen from 61.3% in 2016 to surpass the national target across every state and territory. Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy said the result means Australia has “officially closed the gap” for preschool attendance, calling it a “significant milestone”. Early Childhood Education Minister Jess Walsh noted the achievement while warning that other outcomes – early childhood development, out‑of‑home care, adult incarceration and suicide rates – remain concerning. The government highlighted improvements in eight other Closing the Gap targets, including employment, land and sea rights, while pledging continued partnership with First Nations communities to address the worsening areas.