Better opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians

The Albanese Government will scope a new First Nations Economic Partnership with the Coalition of Peaks and other organisations to boost labour force participation and improve economic outcomes for Indigenous Australians.

After initial discussions between Treasury and the Coalition of Peaks, scoping work will commence imminently.

The partnership will focus on the strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and community‑controlled organisations, opportunities for job creation and translating First Nations’ knowledge, assets, interests and rights into tangible, sustainable social and economic benefits for communities.

Jobs will also be one of the four priorities – along with health, education and housing – that the Government will ask the Voice to provide advice on, if the referendum is successful this year.

The employment rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continues to significantly lag that of non‑Indigenous people and the gap has not closed notably over the past 30 years. It’s not good enough.

That’s why the Albanese Government is taking a different approach – working with First Nations people to deliver policies and programs with better outcomes.

Work is ongoing on the replacement of the Community Development Program – which has set many communities back – with a more effective remote jobs program that is based on real jobs, proper wages and decent conditions.

A new remote jobs program will leverage investment in remote communities to build local economies, develop local workforces and deliver important social and cultural outcomes. Including by providing opportunities for people to work for community, as well as supporting employment in the open economy.