Australian Government
Indigenous Australians got a seat at the highest national table to shape future economic policy through a historic agreement signed by the Federal Government and brokered by First Nations Portfolio (FNP).
The First Nations Economic Partnership was spearheaded by an alliance of committed Indigenous people, together with FNP and The Australian National University (ANU).
The agreement was signed on 29 September 2025 and creates a way for shared decisions to be made about reforms to First Nations economic policy, leveraging the resources of government.
First Nations Economic Empowerment Alliance Chair and ANU Vice-President (First Nations), Professor Peter Yu, said the agreement was the first of its kind in Australia.
“The economic self‑determination of Indigenous peoples has received little attention, and our communities have never been given a chance to shape our own economic futures. Today that changes,” Professor Yu said.
“The Alliance is focused on a Partnership and Economic Framework that delivers real fiscal reform and structural change – including improved access to capital, Indigenous‑led investment, and greater involvement in the Australian economy.”
The First Nations Economic Partnership includes the Australian Government, the First Nations Economic Empowerment Alliance that FNP helped establish, and the Coalition of Peaks.
First Nations Economic Empowerment Alliance
The was established in 2023 by FNP working with First Nations leaders and organisations.
As of March 2026 its membership consists of:
- FNP
- Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation
- First Nations Capital
- National Native Title Council
- First Nations Clean Energy Network
- Indigenous Business Australia
- First Nations Economics
- First Nations Foundation
- Supply Nation
- Self-Determination Fund, Victoria.
Canadian First Nations
In 2023 FNP helped establish and deliver a historic Memorandum of Understanding that unites prominent First Nations organisations from Australia and Canada to promote economic self-determination and reconciliation. It is endorsed by the (Canada), (Canada), (Canada), Australian National University’s First Nations Portfolio, First Australians Capital, Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (Australia), and the National Native Title Council (Australia).
The MOU establishes a collaborative framework focused on trade, investment, governance, and capacity building, with an emphasis on Indigenous-led diplomacy and innovation. Rooted in the principles of equity, reciprocity, and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, this partnership is dedicated to creating sustainable economic opportunities for Indigenous communities in both nations.
Indigenous Data Sovereignty projects
FNP is involved in four Indigenous Data Sovereignty (IDS) projects where researchers collaborate with traditional owner representative organisations across the Northern Territory and Western Australia. The projects build Indigenous Data Governance capacity to support local decision making and community development planning. The oldest of these groundbreaking projects has been running since 2021.
Ngarluma Yindjibarndi Foundation Ltd (NYFL), the Anindilyakwa Land Council Data Unit, Ngurratjuta/Pmara Ntjarra Aboriginal Corporation and the Juukan Gorge Legacy Foundation are all involved in IDS projects with FNP.