Downloads
Purpose
The Annual update highlights progress under the First Nations Economic Partnership. It outlines how Partners are working together through shared decision‑making to advance First Nations economic empowerment.
2025–26 Annual update
This update covers the Economic Partnership’s first year. It outlines key achievements, lessons learned and priorities for future reform.
This includes making strong governance and administrative arrangements to support the Economic Partnership’s work. These are built around the ‘strong partnership elements’ of Priority Reform One of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
We set up 3 working groups to create practical policy options focused on:
- progressing First Nations employment and career pathways – including opportunities to grow employment in the community‑controlled sector and Economic Inclusion Zones
- improving access to capital and institutional arrangements for First Nations businesses and projects – including strengthening the role of Specialist Investment Vehicles
- developing a First Nations Economic Framework.
Next steps
In 2026–27, Partners will focus on moving from set up and design work to creating policy options and implementation pathways.
Key priorities include:
- developing proposals to create new jobs and strengthen career pathways in community‑controlled sectors
- creating a First Nations Economic Framework – including consultation in late‑2026 and release by February 2027
- exploring reforms to improve access to capital – including a First Nations Investment and Finance Council or similar mechanism
- exploring more fit‑for‑purpose finance products for First Nations businesses and projects
- co‑designing options to connect First Nations projects with investment opportunities
- strengthening the Commonwealth’s Indigenous Procurement Policy’s outcomes and accountability.