Here is an easy-to-understand breakdown of why this report matters and how AIATSIS is calling for a major shift in how the government measures success.
1. Moving Beyond “Doing To” toward “Doing With”
For too long, government evaluations have often been “at arm's length,” treated as something the government does to Indigenous communities rather than with them. AIATSIS argues that for any evaluation to be meaningful, it must be built on partnerships and co-design.
The Goal
Communities should be involved in deciding what success looks like from the very start, not just answering questions at the end.
The Standard
All policies should be assessed based on their impact on wellbeing and the rights of Indigenous peoples under international law.
2. Culture is Not a “Side Project”
A major insight from the report is that many current government frameworks, like Closing the Gap, treat culture as a celebration rather than a core metric. AIATSIS points out that while the government “celebrates” culture, almost none of its formal targets actually relate to it.
The Shift
Culture should be seen as both a determinant of wellbeing and an outcome in itself.
The Reality
Accessing cultural materials or participating in language programs can be transformative, even if it doesn't always show up as a “large number” in a standard database.
3. Solving the “Indigenous Data Paradox”
The report highlights a frustrating contradiction known as the “Indigenous Data Paradox”: there is both too much and too little data.
Too Much “Deficit” Data
There is an abundance of data that focuses on “failings” or where Indigenous people fall behind non-Indigenous Australians.
Too Little “Aspiration” Data
There is a lack of high-quality data that helps communities plan for their own futures or measures what they actually value.
AIATSIS advocates for Indigenous Data Sovereignty, which means Indigenous people should have the right to maintain, control, and protect data about their own cultures and lives.
4. Evaluation is Research (And Ethics Matter)
One of the most practical points in the submission is that evaluation is a form of research. Because of this, it must follow strict ethical guidelines to ensure it doesn't cause harm.
The AIATSIS Code of Ethics
Evaluation should be guided by principles of engagement, reciprocity, and respect for Indigenous worldviews.
Beyond “Tick-Box” Exercises
Ethical review isn't just a hurdle; it's a way to build trust and ensure that practitioners are culturally capable.
The Bottom Line
The AIATSIS submission is a call for a “decolonized” approach to policy—one that respects Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. By shifting the focus from “top-down” statistics to community-led stories and data sovereignty, the government has a unique opportunity to create policies that truly allow Indigenous individuals and societies to thrive.
Want to dive deeper?
You can read the full AIATSIS submission here.