The First Nations Economic Empowerment Alliance is proud to have been party to the
signing today of a historic national economic partnership agreement with the
Commonwealth Government.

The agreement represents an opportunity to advance the prosperity and security of First
Nations communities, and was announced by the Prime Minister at the Garma Festival on 2
August. Treasurer Jim Chalmers and the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri
McCarthy signed the agreement at Parliament House on behalf of the Commonwealth,
which also includes as signatories the Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
community-controlled peak organisations.

Chair of the Alliance, Professor Peter Yu, said the signing was the culmination of a long-held
aspiration of First Nations communities for improved economic outcomes. The agreement
itself has been supported by three years of research and advocacy by the ANU’s First
Nations Portfolio. A series of dialogues led to the creation in 2023 of the First Nations
Economic Empowerment Alliance.

The Alliance comprises First Nations organisations and economic advisors committed to
building a new relationship based on self-determination, equity, and the improved
wellbeing of Indigenous communities.

“The agreement signals a commitment by the Commonwealth to redesigning economic
policies that affect First Nations peoples,” Professor Yu said. “Treasury will now be
responsible for coordinating a new, whole-of-government approach to developing economic
opportunities, with the cooperation of peak Indigenous organisations and the Economic
Empowerment Alliance.”

The new economic partnership will focus on “the full range of policy levers available to the
Commonwealth Government to support economic empowerment, self-determination, and
wealth creation for First Nations peoples.”

Torres Strait Islander woman and founding member of the Alliance, Leah Armstrong, said
the agreement compels governments to reset how it works with First Nations peoples on
key economic policy reforms.

“Today is about laying a strong foundation so that future generations inherit an economy
that works for them — an economy where First Nations peoples have a seat at the table, a
real stake in the economy, and the power to shape our shared prosperity. If we get the
implementation of this agreement right, we move from piecemeal programs to a genuine
economic partnership that delivers generational prosperity.”

The Commonwealth has invested $16.9m in the partnership to 30 June 2030.

Media Contact: Murray McLaughlin 0429 153 363