In April 2007 COAG agreed to establish a clearinghouse for evidence on what works to close the gap on Indigenous disadvantage. It is jointly funded by all Australian governments for five years under the National Partnership Agreement on an Indigenous Clearinghouse.
In June 2009 the Department of Families, Housing Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (on behalf of the Commonwealth) engaged the Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW) to deliver the Clearinghouse services. This is being done in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Family Studies.
Objectives of the Clearinghouse
Build a cumulative evidence base for what works to close the gap in Indigenous disadvantage
The Clearinghouse website provides access to the following evidence based material:
- A general collection of research, evaluations and reports catalogued by the COAG building blocks (with over 4,600 items currently available)
- An Assessed collection of selected research and evaluations (about 300 per year)
- Issues Papers reviewing the findings on what works on specific topics (2-3 per year)
- Resource Sheets summarising the evidence on more narrowly defined topics and its applicability for specific policies and/or programs (around 10 per year).
Improve access by policy makers, service providers, and the general public to evidence on best practice and success factors to close the gap in Indigenous disadvantage
The Clearinghouse provides access to evidence based material on what works through:
- A website with a searchable and catalogued repository of evidence based material;
- links to the websites of other Clearinghouses and information services and to material available through other databases and catalogues; and
- a helpdesk service to assist users of the Clearinghouse in locating material.
Rigorously assess the evidence for policies and interventions aimed at closing the gap in Indigenous disadvantage
Subject specialists are engaged to rigorously assess and summarise selected research and evaluations and rate the effectiveness of the particular activity or program.
Improve the coordination of research and evaluation efforts across Australia
The Clearinghouse maintains an online register of research and evaluation projects across Australia relevant to Indigenous outcomes (in progress or completed in the last three years). The focus of the Register is on projects commissioned or funded by Australian governments.
Identify gaps in the available evidence on what works to close the gaps in Indigenous disadvantage
The Clearinghouse produces an annual paper on the gaps in the research and evaluation evidence for what works, with recommendations for addressing those gaps.
Structure and governance
Board
The Board provides strategic directions and overseas the operations of the Clearinghouse. The Hon. Jenny Macklin MP, Minister for Indigenous Affairs, appointed the chair and academic advisers to the Board.
Closing the Gap Clearinghouse Board members
Scientific Reference Group
The Scientific Reference Group provides technical advice to the Clearinghouse on operational matters. It comprises academic members with subject-matter expertise relevant to the COAG targets and representatives from the AIHW and AIFS.
Scientific Reference Group members [37KB DOC]
Panel of subject specialists
Subject specialists provide assistance to the Clearinghouse by examining the evidence on a selected range of programs, evaluations or activities. The Clearinghouse gratefully acknowledges the contribution of participating subject specialists.
Panel of subject specialists [62KB DOC]
Peer review panel
Panel members review papers produced by the Clearinghouse and provide advice about whether the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander context has been appropriately addressed.