Commonwealth, state and territory leaders at the Council of Australian Governments meeting in Darwin identified remote community stores and the education system as avenues to improve the lot of indigenous people.

But Mr Rudd acknowledged ''there's simply not enough statistical analysis to give us clear indications as to what's happening on the ground''.

Discussions between the Prime Minister, premiers and chief ministers in Darwin yesterday were dominated by discussions about ''closing the gap'' between indigenous and non-indigenous people.

In the lead-up, the Productivity Commission issued a report that revealed the gap had widened in some areas including child abuse and incarceration rates.

''This report on indigenous disadvantage is a devastating report,'' MrRudd said.

''We have to redouble and treble our efforts to make an impact. ... It is unacceptable and it requires decisive action.''

At the council, the leaders signed off on national partnerships to improve food security and education, deliver services in urban and regional areas, and boost access to the internet in remote communities.

They reached agreement in principle on a national licensing scheme for remote stores to ensure nutritious, reasonably priced food was available in indigenous communities.

Full coverage, analysis in today's Canberra Times