first nations Economic Partnership
A historic agreement for economic justice, self-determination, and shared power
A New Chapter in Economic Empowerment
On 2 August 2025, at the Garma Festival, an historic Agreement was announced between the Australian Government, the Coalition of Peaks, and the First Nations Economic Empowerment Alliance.
The First Nations Economic Partnership is a national commitment to fundamentally shift how governments and First Nations peoples work together to achieve economic empowerment, prosperity, and lasting economic security.
This is more than a policy shift. It’s about centring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, embedding shared decision-making, and recognising the significant role of community-controlled organisations in driving economic development.
“The Partnership is about putting our communities in control of shaping an economic future based on what we know works.”
-Pat Turner AM, Lead Convenor, Coalition of Peaks
How This Came to Be
This Partnership is the result of years of advocacy, deep engagement, and clear calls for change.
In 2024, the Coalition of Peaks led a national engagement process, supported by the Treasury, to listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the country.
Through online workshops, submissions, and direct conversations with organisations, First Nations people told us what’s needed to drive real economic change.
The message was consistent: economic empowerment must be community-led. Strong, community-controlled organisations are the foundation for employment, enterprise, and economic participation.
It is what First Nations people told us throughout the engagements that shaped the priorities in the Agreement. It is also a demonstration of the Coalition of Peaks holding governments accountable under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
The timeline
Engagement
May – July 2024
Preparing the Engagement Report
August – September 2024
Consideration by the Australian Government
October 2024 – January 2025
Engagement Report published
March 2024
Partnership Agreement announced
August 2025
Partnership Agreement signed
TBC
What the economic partnership will Deliver
The First Nations Economic Partnership establishes a national mechanism for shared decision-making on economic policy and reform.
The Agreement commits to:
Co-designing a First Nations Economic Framework.
Developing a public Workplan, including:
Establishing Economic Inclusion Zones led by community-controlled organisations.
Funding growth in secure jobs and career pathways in First Nations organisations.
Improving access to capital and markets for First Nations businesses.
Strengthening Prescribed Body Corporates and Traditional Owner institutions.
Reforming employment and training systems to be culturally responsive and community-led.
Improving transparency and outcomes in Indigenous procurement.
This work is aligned with Priority Reform One of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap – Shared Decision-Making.
What Happens Next
We are entering a critical implementation phase. This is where commitments turn into outcomes.
Next steps include:
Co-designing the First Nations Economic Framework.
Launching a national consultation on key reform areas.
Publishing a Year One Workplan to track progress and hold all partners accountable.
Sharing regular updates and community stories of progress.
Progress reports will be published here. Sign up with your email below to stay informed.