Closing the Gap Action Plan at TAFE NSW

The TAFE NSW Closing the Gap (CTG) Action Plan 2025–2028 outlines how we'll support the National Agreement on Closing the Gap through vocational education and training. The plan focuses on Cultural safety, Aboriginal-led leadership and strengthening Aboriginal ways of working across TAFE NSW.

The CTG Action Plan is entering a new phase: Horizon 3 – Building Strong Foundations. It details how we'll contribute to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and the NSW Implementation Plan. 

It marks an important step in our journey, with a focus on building trust, strengthening partnerships, and embedding Aboriginal approaches to teaching, learning and decision making.

The plan aligns with the Australian Government’s National Agreement Priority Reforms. These reforms include:

• formal partnerships and shared decision making
• strengthening the community-controlled sector
• transforming government organisations through engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
• shared access to data and information at a regional level
• employment, business growth and economic prosperity.

It also supports better outcomes in education, employment, culture, wellbeing and access to information.

TAFE NSW acknowledges that the gaps in outcomes experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are the result of systemic and historical disadvantage, not individual choice. We are focused on driving meaningful, long-term change across our organisation and communities.

To do this, we are committed to:

• walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in shared decision making and self-determination
• embedding the Aboriginal Empowerment and Excellence Model as a core framework for how we plan, govern and deliver education and training
• providing culturally safe learning and working environments where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff and communities feel seen, heard and respected
• designing and delivering place-based programs with Aboriginal communities that reflect local aspirations and knowledge
• using data and evidence, including community driven data storytelling, to monitor progress and drive continuous improvement.

These commitments are embedded across the organisation through the TAFE NSW Strategic Plan and the Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Plan. They also align with our broader suite of action plans, including Reconciliation, Disability Inclusion, Multicultural, and Gender Equity.

Read the TAFE NSW 2025-2028 Closing the Gap Action Plan below.

The CTG Action Plan outlines the key areas where we’ll aim  to create meaningful, long-term change in partnership with Aboriginal communities.

Through this plan, we aim to:

• remove systemic barriers to participation and success in education, training and employment
• improve access, engagement, retention and completion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across qualification levels and pathways
• strengthen Aboriginal employment, enterprise and economic participation, linked directly to skills and qualifications
• support Aboriginal languages, cultures and community-led programs, ensuring they are central to how TAFE NSW operates.

TAFE NSW commits to transparency and accountability within Closing the Gap. We’ll measure success through community feedback and data to ensure an understanding of progress and impact. 

Key focus areas include:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, employees and community members feel safe, valued and respected at TAFE NSW.
• Students achieve their full learning potential, progress to further education and transition into meaningful employment or enterprise.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees are supported to develop and lead at all levels, including in decision-making roles.
• Communities have better access to data and information that supports local decision-making and self-determination.

These measures align with the Closing the Gap Priority Reforms and socio-economic outcomes.

We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all students and staff. Contact us if you’d like more information about our policies.