Western Australia is undergoing a social and economic transformation fuelled by global demand, international migration and investment in the capital city and regions.

A significant and historic gap remains between the life outcomes of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal West Australians. Generally, Aboriginal people have shorter lives and are poorer, less educated, less healthy and more dependent on welfare. Typically, these outcomes are worse in the regions and much worse in the State’s remote areas.

The State Government has committed to long- term reform to improve outcomes and provide Aboriginal people in regional and remote areas with access to the life opportunities enjoyed elsewhere in the State.

This roadmap sets out the Government’s directions for reform, its priority actions for the next two years, and areas for consultation.

Key features of the roadmap include:

• consultation with Aboriginal people and other stakeholders on specific initiatives
• working with Aboriginal people and communities on key projects and actions
• better education opportunities for children
• more employment opportunities for adults
• investment in the future through early childhood development and empowered parents
• earlier intervention to help ‘at risk’ families
• services tailored to local needs and aspirations
• new approaches in housing to enable families to break out of the welfare trap
• State Government investment concentrated in places where there are jobs and education
• larger remote Aboriginal communities to have safe, reliable and metered power and water supplies, and appropriate municipal services
• some smaller remote Aboriginal communities; supported to become self-sufficient over time
• better services and opportunities for Aboriginal people who live in town-based reserves
• State Government agencies accountable for improved service delivery and outcomes
• families accountable for everyday school, work and household obligations
• partnerships and collaboration with the Commonwealth Government, local government, industry and the not for profit sector.