The First Nations Economic Empowerment Alliance welcomes the Federal Government’s mid-year budget announcement of $16.9 million over five years to develop Australia’s first comprehensive Indigenous economic development framework. 

“This investment marks a crucial first step in transforming Indigenous economic participation in Australia,” says Alliance Chair Professor Peter Yu. “It builds on the Prime Minister’s historic Garma commitment and recognises that Indigenous economic empowerment requires systematic, structural change.” 

The Alliance, which brings together Australia’s leading Indigenous economic organisations including the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, Indigenous Business Australia, National Native Title Council, First Australia Capital, and First Nations Clean Energy Network, has been advocating for this comprehensive approach for two years. 

“Indigenous Australians hold significant assets and economic potential, but structural barriers have limited our ability to generate sustainable wealth for our communities,” Professor Yu explains.

“This funding commitment opens the door to a genuine partnership between Indigenous organisations and the Australian government to dismantle these barriers.” 

Professor Yu emphasised that while this initial investment is welcome, it must be the beginning of a longer-term commitment to reform. “We have a historic opportunity to fundamentally transform the economic position of Indigenous people in Australia.

The success of this framework will depend on sustained partnership and genuine reform of systems that have historically excluded Indigenous economic participation.” 

The funding will support the development of evidence-based policy reforms aimed at unlocking Indigenous economic potential and creating pathways for wealth generation in Indigenous communities. 

Media Contact: Murray McLaughlin 0429 153 363