A new report has revealed First Nations communities are not being properly consulted on government economic policies.
The findings from the Coalition of Peaks – based on feedback from more than 200 organisations – were detailed in a new report Informing a Partnership on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Economic Development.
The COP report said the reluctance of governments to properly engage in genuine partnerships with Aboriginal organisations had continued to drive unemployment, disadvantage First Nations businesses, and leave young Indigenous people with no clear pathways to economic security.
The findings highlighted significant shortcomings in current government engagement, and a need for a new plan centred on solutions led by Aboriginal community-controlled organisations (ACCOs).
Several crucial Indigenous economic policies designed by government – including employment programs, business support and procurement policies – were being developed without substantive participation by Indigenous communities, the report found.
The new information would now help shape the First Nations Economic Partnership – between the federal government, ACCOs, the Coalition of Peaks and other representatives – that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced at the 2024 Garma Festival.
Coalition of Peaks lead convenor, Pat Turner AM, said accelerating economic development and wealth creation for Indigenous communities and businesses could be done only once the right building blocks were in place.
"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander economic development is not separate from Australia's economy, it strengthens it," she said.
"From land and water management to cultural tourism and small business innovation, our economic contributions create jobs, drive investment, and generate new industries that benefit all Australians.
"This new partnership is a turning point... a recognition that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must have control over our economic futures."
The new report called for greater community control, stronger support for Indigenous businesses, and reforms to employment programs to make them culturally safe and effective.
A key takeaway from engagement with Aboriginal organisation was that economic empowerment extended beyond jobs, to self-determination across First Nations communities.
The COP engagement process included six themed online workshops with approximately 140 participants, nine one-on-one sessions with Indigenous organisations, an online survey with 99 responses (70 per cent identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander), and 12 written submissions.
The report also recommended the partnership between the Australian Government and the Coalition of Peaks focus on ACCO-led solutions and initiatives that implemented Closing the Gap's four Priority Reforms.
These included strengthening representation through formal partnerships and shared decision-making; expanding economic opportunities within ACCOs and supporting the development of new local economies; reforming employment services to better support job seekers; increasing support for businesses and improving access to procurement opportunities; and enhancing access to data to properly analyse economic participation and development trends.
The full report can be found online.
