In 2021, the ALC Board commissioned the First Nations Portfolio of the Australian National University to prepare a groundbreaking and comprehensive community data profile, titled ‘Social Indicators and Data Governance to Support Local Decision Making in the Groote Archipelago’.

This report, together with the establishment of the ALC’s data unit, will equip the Anindilyakwa Traditional Owners with a powerful tool to inform best practice, evidence-based local decision making and re-establish their rights as First Nations people to data sovereignty.

While not always comfortable reading, the report provides both a clear reflection of what has been working to help close the gap, as well as highlighting some critical areas for improvement.  

T Wurramarrba, Chairman of the Anindilyakwa Land Council, said “It will take a combined effort to move the dial forward, and this report and our newly established data unit provide the perfect impetus for broader discussions about working together to address the full gamut of issues affecting all Anindilyakwa people.”

The ALC data unit will be responsible for managing and collecting data on an ongoing basis to ensure outcomes are measured and the information remains current.