Levels of self-harm and incarceration for indigenous Australians have increased at alarming levels despite the efforts of both sides of politics to 'close the gap', the most comprehensive report on indigenous wellbeing has found.

The landmark report also finds that virtually no progress has been made in reducing alcohol and substance abuse or in addressing high rates of chronic disease and disability among Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders.

While there is progress on a range of fronts, with less reliance on welfare, more home ownership and a big improvement in infant mortality rates, there has been virtually no change in literacy and numeracy outcomes at schools, especially in remote areas.