The Albanese Government has established a new First Nations Economic Partnership – with the Coalition of Peaks and the First Nations Economic Empowerment Alliance.
The Partnership will work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people around Australia to leverage land and Native Title, boost skills and education, create jobs and back business.
The Partnership is an example of the Government’s commitment to the Priority Reforms of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, to work in partnership, invest in the First Nations community-controlled sector, and transform mainstream systems to achieve better outcomes for First Nations people.
We are investing an additional $75 million to support Prescribed Bodies Corporate.
This will help Native Title holders to build capacity and work with the private sector to build wealth.
It is about securing better deals, driving faster approvals and delivering more jobs and an economic legacy for communities.
The first priorities for the Economic Partnership will include improving the funding model for Prescribed Bodies Corporate, through this new investment.
Along with ensuring Special Investment Vehicles like the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency are delivering for First Nations communities across Australia.
And looking at how the work of Indigenous Business Australia and the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation can better deliver for all Indigenous communities, whether they hold Native Title or not.
The Albanese Government will also invest $31 million to establish 12 Mobile TAFE services.
These will be delivered in partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled sector, states and territories.
Delivering training on Country – so locals have the skills to get jobs in construction, maintenance, health care, hospitality, resources and renewable energy.
We are also continuing to deliver tangible outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including:
- Opening expressions of interest as part of $70 million in First Nations Clean Energy funding – to help get local projects up and running.
- A new round of 800 jobs in the Remote Jobs and Economic Development program – on top of the 650 jobs already delivered.
- A further 6 remote water upgrades – on top of the 33 already underway, bringing the total number of people who will benefit from clean and secure water supplies to 34,000.
Quotes attributable to the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese
“Making sure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians can get a secure job, make the most of business opportunities and benefit from their land is a big part of Closing the Gap.
“The First Nations Economic Partnership will help put communities in the driver’s seat of economic opportunity, ownership and equity.
“Mobile TAFE will offer hands-on training on Country and will bring skills and jobs to communities.
“Locals will be able to learn trade skills, get a qualification and build a career without having to leave home.”
Quotes attributable to the Treasurer, Jim Chalmers
“This Partnership is about recognising and realising the enormous economic potential of First Nations communities, not just as participants in our economy but as partners in our shared prosperity.
"We're investing to equip Traditional Owners to leverage their land and sea assets, to get better deals and to bring jobs and wealth to First Nations communities.
“Our economic agenda is about growth that’s stronger and more inclusive. Backing First Nations businesses, jobs and skills is a central part of that – because we know our economy works better when everyone has the chance to succeed.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy
“Economic empowerment is about self-determination and creating opportunities that reflect the aspirations of First Nations communities.
“Prescribed Bodies Corporate are critical partners for Traditional Owners, the first point of contact in commercial negotiations and strong vehicles for First Nations economic empowerment.
“The Albanese Government knows investing in remote First Nations communities is vital to unlocking their long-term prosperity.”