Western Australia's leading Indigenous business chamber has launched a landmark plan to elevate Aboriginal-led economic development in Western Australia.
Hosted by the Noongar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) and powered by the economic expertise of First Nations Economics and its trusted affiliates, the NCCI Economic Unit (NEU) will provide strategic policy advice, enterprise support, insights from data and research, and capability-building services to grow the influence of First Nations economic participation across WA.
The NEU would strive to also strengthen NCCI's policy voice, support Aboriginal enterprise, and ensure economic interests of First Nations are central to WA's development agenda.
Operating through five core service pillars – policy and advocacy, enterprise support, research and impact, strategic communications, and capacity building – the NEU will help drive culturally-grounded, evidence-based economic transformation.
NCCI chair Gordon Cole said the new unit was a game-changer at a time when the Indigenous business sector was experiencing record growth in its economic contribution to the nation.
"At a time when the value of Indigenous business, culture, and knowledge systems must be centred in economic decision-making, the NEU ensures Noongar and First Nation voices shape the future of our economy, not just as participants, but as leaders," he said.
"This is a collaborative initiative that will bring together a group of skilled professionals – economists, researchers, strategists, and community leaders - working under a culturally grounded framework to generate accurate data, insights, and modelling on the contribution of Indigenous businesses to the WA and the national economy.
"The Noongar Chamber Economics Unit represents more than data - it represents sovereignty in economic storytelling and a stronger, more inclusive future for all Western Australians."
The NEU's work will include applied and participatory research, evidence-based policy submissions, supporting Aboriginal businesses to engage with procurement and investment opportunities, and providing advice to government and industry on inclusive economic strategies.
The initiative is backed by a shared governance structure which embeds cultural authority, integrity, and accountability at every level.
First Nations Economics corporate and governance director Shaun Cumming said collaboration in the unit's design and delivery was strategically crucial.
"The NEU is not just another policy unit; it's a platform for self-determination, and we're. honoured to walk alongside NCCI to bring economic rigour, cultural intelligence, and strategic insight to the table," he said.
"Our role is to support, strengthen, and scale the economic power of Aboriginal communities, starting right here on Noongar Country."
As part of the unit's broader knowledge and impact strategy, the NEU will also draw on collaborative approaches from a diverse set of trusted affiliates, including the University of Western Australia business school (via its Centre for Social Impact), and cultural guidance support from Danjoo Koorliny co-directors.
UWA centre of social impact director Professor Paul Flatau said to contribute to an important initiative through collaboration with First Nations Economics, with delivery support from the UWA Business School via the Centre for Social Impact, was extremely satisfying.
"This work is grounded in cultural respect and informed by ongoing engagement with Danjoo Koorliny," he said.
"As a large-scale, long-term systems change movement designed and led by Aboriginal people, Danjoo Koorliny has provided a platform for collaboration and dialogue."
The NEU will begin operations in October, with its first annual work plan to be co-designed with community and stakeholders, ensuring relevance and responsiveness to the region's economic aspirations.
For more information or to engage with the NEU on its work plan, contact the NCCI here.