The Prime Minister delivered the 10th Closing the Gap address to Parliament on today (12/02).
The annual snapshot on progress to reduce Indigenous disadvantage shows three of the seven current targets are on track to be met.
But, despite the looming deadlines and lack of progress, Malcolm Turnbull took a hopeful tone.
"Too often we are quick to highlight the despondency," Mr Turnbull said.
"The solution to closing the gap rests within the imagination, ingenuity, passion and drive of Indigenous people themselves."
The seven targets aim to improve Indigenous health, education and employment outcomes and were committed to by the Rudd Government in 2008.
The targets to halve the gap in Indigenous child mortality rates and Year 12 attainment as well as enrolling more children in early education are on track to be met.
But the targets to close the gap in life expectancy, employment and literacy and numeracy rates will not be met at current rates.
"The last decade has given us a richer understanding of what's working and what's not," Mr Turnbull said.
The prime minister also pointed to making the states and territories more accountable for efforts to reduce disadvantage.
