The Alliance was established as an outcome of deliberative dialogues and research led by the Australian National University First Nations Portfolio to advocate for critical economic policy reform to drive an economic self-determination agenda
The (the Alliance) is an association of First Nations-led organisations and experts committed to advancing First Nations economic rights and interests in Australia. It was formally established in May 2023 in response to the Murru waaruu Seminar Series facilitated by the Australian National University鈥檚 First Nations Portfolio (FNP) throughout 2022 and 2023.
For two years FNP led an extensive, deliberative process on the economic empowerment鈥痮f First Nations peoples in Australia. Starting with the Marramarra murru First鈥疦ations Economic Development Symposium in June 2022, FNP subsequently convened鈥痵ix national seminars on economic development. The overall process involved鈥痟undreds of participants from First Nations organisations and businesses, researchers, Commonwealth and industry representatives.
As of July 2026, the Alliance is chaired by ANU Vice-President (First Nations) Professor Peter Yu and the members include:
- First Australians Capital
- First Nations Clean Energy Network
- First Nations Economics
- First Nations Foundation
- Indigenous Business Australia
- Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation
- National Native Title Council
- Self Determination Fund (Victoria) and
- Supply Nation.
First Nations Economic Partnership
In September 2025, the Alliance signed a historic First Nations Economic Partnership Agreement. This is a historic national agreement between the Commonwealth Government, the Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled Peak Organisations, and the Alliance. The agreement acknowledges that the Alliance 鈥渨as established as an outcome of deliberative dialogues and research led by the Australian National University First Nations Portfolioto advocate for critical economic policy reform to drive an economic self-determination agenda鈥.
The Partnership will use the full range of Commonwealth policy levers to advance First Nations economic empowerment, self-determination and wealth creation, with a focus on:
- strengthening First Nations representation in economic policy and decision-making
- growing First Nations businesses and improving access to markets and capital
- expanding employment and skills pathways
- protecting rights and interests in land, sea, waterways, and cultural and intellectual property
- strengthening data and evidence in line with Indigenous data sovereignty
- developing a First Nations Economic Framework that provides a long-term vision and coordinates action across the Commonwealth Government.
The First Nations Economic Partnership is an important step towards a stronger and more self-determined First Nations economy.
