First Nations Economic Partnership
First Nations Economic Partnership
The First Nations Economic Partnership is a historic national agreement between the Commonwealth Government, the Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled Peak Organisations, and the First Nations Economic Empowerment Alliance.
The Partnership creates a new mechanism for shared decision-making on First Nations economic policy. It is designed to support economic empowerment, self-determination, wealth creation and lasting economic security for First Nations peoples, communities and organisations.
For the Alliance, this Partnership reflects years of advocacy for a comprehensive national economic policy — one that moves beyond piecemeal programs and embeds First Nations leadership, rights, interests and aspirations into the foundations of Australia’s economy.
Why the Partnership matters
For too long, First Nations peoples have been excluded from the full benefits of Australia’s economic system, despite our deep knowledge, enterprise, innovation and connection to Country.
The Partnership recognises that real change requires structural reform. It brings First Nations organisations, government and communities together to design economic policy that supports greater agency, stronger institutions, improved access to capital, business growth, jobs, skills and intergenerational prosperity.
This is about more than closing gaps. It is about creating opportunity, unlocking potential and ensuring First Nations peoples are leaders in shaping an inclusive, prosperous and globally respected economy.
Who is involved
The founding Partners are the First Nations Economic Empowerment Alliance, the Coalition of Peaks and the Commonwealth Government, represented by Treasury.
Together, the Partners bring First Nations leadership, community-controlled representation and whole-of-government economic policy capability to the table. The Treasurer and the Minister for Indigenous Australians are the Accountable Ministers for the Partnership.
What the Partnership will do
The Partnership will focus on the full range of Commonwealth policy levers needed to support First Nations economic empowerment, self-determination and wealth creation.
This includes strengthening First Nations representation in economic policy, growing First Nations businesses, improving access to markets and capital, increasing employment and skills pathways, upholding rights and interests in land, sea, waterways and cultural and intellectual property, and improving data and evidence in line with Indigenous data sovereignty.
A major focus will be the development of a First Nations Economic Framework. This Framework will set out a long-term, comprehensive vision for economic empowerment and coordinated action across the Commonwealth Government.
The Alliance’s role
The Alliance will continue to advocate for economic policy reform that is evidence-based, rights-based and led by First Nations peoples.
Our role is to bring together experience from across community, business, academia, finance, government and the First Nations economic sector to help shape practical reforms that deliver measurable change.
Through the Partnership, the Alliance will work to ensure First Nations economic empowerment is built into policy, investment and decision-making from the beginning — not added on at the end.
Looking ahead
The First Nations Economic Partnership is an important step towards a stronger and more self-determined First Nations economy.
Its success will depend on implementation, accountability and ongoing engagement with First Nations communities, organisations, businesses, Traditional Owners, industry and government.
The Alliance is committed to working with our partners to ensure this Partnership supports real structural change and creates lasting prosperity for future generations.
Links
First Nations Economic Partnership | Treasury.gov.au
First Nations Economic Partnership Agreement
First Nations Economic Partnership Communiqués | Treasury.gov.au