Closing the Gap: Action must follow commitment as Treasurer signs First Nations Economic Partnership
The Coalition of Peaks welcomes today's formal signing of the First Nations Economic Partnership at Parliament House by Treasurer Chalmers and Minister McCarthy, marking a critical step towards closing the gap.
The Partnership Agreement, announced at Garma in August 2025 by Prime Minister Albanese, emerged from the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and implements its Priority Reforms.
Pat Turner AM, Lead Convenor of the Coalition of Peaks, said the signing represents progress, but the real test lies in implementation.
"With the agreement now officially signed, we look forward to working with the government and delivering real outcomes," Ms Turner said.
"This Partnership will take forward what Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people told the Peaks through a nationwide engagement – that strong community-controlled organisations are the foundation for jobs and economic participation for our people.
"The signing today must translate into genuine shared decision-making, proper investment in our community-controlled sector, and measurable economic outcomes for our communities."
The Partnership commits to exploring six immediate actions including designing funded programs to grow secure employment and career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in community-controlled organisations. The Coalition of Peaks, more than anything else will focus on achieving this over the next 12 months.
Dr Josie Douglas from the Central Land Council emphasised how critical it is to create more jobs in remote communities, and the Economic Partnership should provide an opportunity to achieve this.
Catherine Liddle, CEO of SNAICC and Coalition of Peaks Deputy Convenor, stressed the growth in the care economy and the job opportunities that should flow to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as a result.
"The community-controlled sector is the obvious vehicle for achieving more jobs for our people," Ms Liddle said.
The Coalition of Peaks' Pat Turner said: "Our organisations need long-term investment to grow their reach and impact. This Partnership must deliver that investment, not through short-term grants but through sustained funding that allows our organisations to plan, grow, and deliver.
"Today's signing is welcome, but signatures alone don't create jobs or build economic security. We will be working closely with the other Partners to make sure every commitment is delivered."