Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander evaluations informing policy and practice: What do we know and where do we need to go

This position paper examines whether findings from evaluations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policies and programs are informing policy and practice in Australia. It finds that, despite increased evaluation activity, the influence of findings on policy and funding decisions remains inconsistent and limited. Persistent barriers include gaps in commissioner capability, limited transparency, restricted access to reports and inconsistent implementation of culturally grounded frameworks.

The paper argues that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, governance and perspectives must be embedded throughout the full evaluation lifecycle, from commissioning and design through to the interpretation and application of findings. It highlights the importance of Indigenous Data Sovereignty, culturally safe approaches, community-defined measures of success and stronger capability within the Australian Public Service and other commissioning bodies.

The paper recommends transparent and accountable commissioning processes, sustained Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander involvement, public access to planned and completed evaluations and reports, and greater use of rigorous outcome and impact approaches. These changes are presented as necessary to strengthen shared learning, self-determination and the contribution of evaluations to improved health and wellbeing outcomes.

Open access