The First Nations Trade and Ministerial Council Unit wishes you all a safe and happy festive season. All the best for 2026 – we look forward to engaging on all things First Nations trade and investment in the new year!
Australian Export Awards - Inaugural First Nations Exporter Award Announced
Congratulations to Munda Wines, from Birkenhead/Kaurna, South Australia, on winning the inaugural First Nations Exporter award at the Australian Export Awards held at Parliament House, Canberra on 26 November 2025.
Munda Wines is an Indigenous-owned premium wine company that produces a range that captures the essence of Munda from across the continent. Pauly Vandenbergh, Founder and Chair of Munda Wines, said "winning the First Nations Exporter award affirms that Aboriginal-owned excellence belongs at the highest level of Australian trade – inspiring our team and community while strengthening our ability to share the world's oldest living culture through wine."
Congratulations to all Australian finalists in the inaugural First Nations Exporter award category who travelled to Canberra for the ceremony. To see all the winers from the Australian Export Awards please visit Australian Export Awards.
Recent News
Launch of the Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) First Nations Action Plan
On 26 November 2025, the Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell, officially launched the Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (UAE CEPA) First Nations Action Plan at Parliament House in Canberra. The Action Plan, prioritised and developed with the pilot First Nations Trade and Investment Advisory Group, supports First Nations businesses benefit from the historic Indigenous trade and investment cooperation chapter in the free trade agreement. The Action Plan provides tangible support for Australian First Nations businesses to benefit from the enormous potential of the UAE and broader region, with a focus on activities in key sectors, including creative industries, green economy, services, agrifood and critical enabling technologies. The Action Plan is available on DFAT's website.
First Nations businesses at Beauty World Dubai
First Nations businesses have been taking advantage of opportunities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with four beauty and wellness brands showcasing the best of culture, sustainability, and creativity at Beauty World in Dubai in October. The businesses were part of the Australian Pavilion and took part in a networking and cultural event at the Australian Ambassador's residence in Abu Dhabi. Over 70,000 people went through the doors at Beauty World. To keep up to date on events and activities for the UAE and other markets register with Austrade's Go Global Academy.
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Dialogue with Indigenous Peoples on Pathways to Enhance Indigenous Economic Empowerment and Trade
The third Ministerial Dialogue (Dialogue) with Indigenous Peoples on Pathways to Enhance Indigenous Economic Empowerment and Trade was held as part of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Week on October 29 in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea.
Australia was represented at the Dialogue by the Ambassador for First Nations People, Mr Justin Mohamed, and by Australia's Indigenous representatives on the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement (IPETCA) Partnership Council, Ms Leah Armstrong of Core Insights Advisory Services, and Mr Damien Barnes of Yimba Legal.
This discussion between Ministers and Indigenous Peoples from across the APEC region highlighted practical measures that have helped to support Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs to scale up and access international markets, and how trade agreements and multilateral economic fora can support Indigenous trade and economic empowerment.
Indigenous representatives and government officials from Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, Canada and Chinese Taipei, also convened under the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement (IPETCA) Partnership Council in the margins of the meeting. As an Indigenous-led, government-enabled, cooperation-based initiative, IPETCA is working to strengthen Indigenous economic empowerment across the region.
Participants discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation and alignment among IPETCA Partners on Indigenous trade and investment and identified and confirmed shared strategic priorities to advance Indigenous empowerment and resilience. They also shared how Indigenous-led trade and investment models can support Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs to access regional and global markets, and reported on the outcomes of IPETCA activities in 2025, including events at Osaka Expo 2025 during Te Aratini Indigenous Peoples Week (August), and an Australian-led dialogue on Indigenous Innovation and Trade: Embedding Worldviews in Sustainability in October.
Inaugural Australian First Nations business mission to boost the Australia-India mining partnership
In November, DFAT funded an inaugural First Nations Business Mission to India, led by the Perth USAsia Centre, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, and the Indigenous Emerging Business Forum Aboriginal Corporation. The mission brought eight WA First Nations businesses to Mumbai, New Delhi, and Kolkata to explore opportunities in India's fast-growing mining and renewable energy sectors. As Australia's first diplomats and traders, First Nations peoples continue to shape one of Australia's most important international relationships, with India set to become the world's third-largest economy. Following engagement with government and industry, the mission is already yielding new business contracts and trade opportunities for the participants. Click here to see the highlights reel from the mission.
Indigenous Business Australia's 2030 Strategy and collaboration with CommBank
Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) has recently published its updated 2030 Strategy, which seeks to support record Indigenous business growth in areas such as large-scale renewables, carbon markets, mining, infrastructure, indigenous botanicals, agriculture, and aquaculture, and contracting of government services. This positive shift in Indigenous economic outlook has the prompted Parliament to expand of the role and remit of IBA, which was granted new legislative powers to raise capital from the capital markets, investment community and the private sector.
Additionally, IBA and CommBank have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together to strengthen organisational capabilities, co-develop innovative financial solutions and expand access to finance for First Nations customers. Focus areas include culturally informed pathways to home ownership for Indigenous people, consideration of innovative funding models and co-funding opportunities, and co-funding in renewables and/or carbon initiatives. IBA will also explore with Commbank capability-building initiatives such as secondments, mentoring arrangements and tailored training programs.
Supply Nation launches Festive Season Catalogue
Supply Nation has launched its 2025 Festive Season Catalogue, featuring gifts from certified Indigenous-owned businesses for the holiday period, featuring everything from chocolate and sparkling beverages infused with native flavours to unique clothing and fashion items, jewellery, art, books and educational resources, ceramics, beauty and wellness products. Supply Nation's July 2025 report The Sleeping Giant Rises found that for every dollar of revenue produced by Indigenous-owned businesses, $3.66 of positive economic and social value was generated into the Australian economy.
Recent Webinars
Exporting for First Nations business and the Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
Austrade recently held a workshop to introduce First Nations businesses to international trade and help them to take their first steps towards growing their business overseas. The webinar explored opportunities for First Nations businesses under the new A-UAE CEPA and provided practical guidance on navigating global markets, tailored support available from Austrade, and strategies used by successful exporters. A recording of this webinar is available on Austrade's Go Global Toolkit website.
Protecting Culture and IP in Global Markets
Austrade and IP Australia recently held a webinar to help First Nations businesses safeguard their intellectual property as they expand into international markets, featuring Melanie Harris, Head of Indigenous Engagement and Export at Austrade, and Joshua Roberts, Assistant Director of Indigenous Engagement at IP Australia. The session covered building and protecting a brand, global readiness, and practical tools for protecting Indigenous knowledge and culture in export markets. A recording of the webinar is available here.
Free and informed Prior Consent (FPIC), Indigenous Rights and the OECD Guidelines
The Diplomacy Training Program (DTP), an independent NGO committed to advancing human rights and empowering civil society in the Asia-Pacific region, together with the Australian National Contact Point (AusNCP) for the OECD Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct, held a webinar on 29 October 2025 on the importance of the OECD Guidelines to ensuring that Australian companies respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples, and especially their right to Free and informed Prior Consent (FPIC) in Australia and internationally. A recording of the webinar is available here.
First Nations Investment
New First Nations Clean Energy Network (FNCEN) and EY joint report shows big benefits for investment in First Nations clean energy solutions
The First Nations Clean Energy Network (FNCEN) and EY Australia published a new report, Investor Benefits of First Nations Participation in Clean Energy Projects, exploring the role of traditional owners and custodians, as current forecasts point to a large number of clean energy infrastructure projects will be built on their lands over the coming decades.
With a six-fold increase in renewable energy capacity and more than AU$140 billion in infrastructure investment required to meet the nation's net zero ambitions by 2050, an estimated 43% of all clean energy infrastructure will need to be sited on the traditional lands and waters ('Country'). Despite this, there are currently no operational, utility-scale clean energy projects in Australia with First Nations equity ownership, which is essential to ensure that the benefits of the energy transition.
As part of an effort to ensure greater transparency, the First Nations Clean Energy Network has recently launched a new website providing information about successful Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) projects; their location, proposed First Nations benefit-sharing measures, and how First Nations communities can get involved. It aims to highlight, compare, and contrast the level of ambition and actions being proposed by proponents of clean energy projects, providing greater transparency for First Nations people and groups to engage in an informed manner.
Landmark Aboriginal Investment Partnership
Aboriginal Investment NT has signed a new partnership with Indigenous Business Australia and the Larrakia Development Corporation to work together on economic development in the Northern Territory. The partnership aims to further self-determination of capital and ensure that future developments align with community priorities, benefiting Territorians. This agreement will establish a structure for Aboriginal businesses across Larrakia, as a part of a wider mission to bring Aboriginal money back into Aboriginal hands.
Upcoming Event, Program and Grant Opportunities
Call for Expressions of Interest - Gulf Information Security Expo & Conference Global (GISEC)
Austrade invites expressions of interest from Australian cybersecurity companies interested in expanding to, or currently operating in, the United Arab Emirates or Middle East North Africa region to join the Austrade delegation and Australia Pavillion at GISEC Global 2026 from 5 to 7 May 2026. Expressions of interest close on January 30 at midnight AEDT.
Public submissions now open for General Review of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA)
During the Australia–Indonesia Annual Leaders' Meeting in May, Prime Minister Albanese and President Prabowo agreed to conduct a General Review of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA). The General Review will help to ensure the Agreement remains fit for purpose, continues to meet the needs of businesses, and bolsters economic resilience. DFAT is seeking submissions to inform its assessment on how well IA-CEPA is working since its entry into force in July 2020, including areas for improvement. Submissions are due by 31 March 2026. Click here for further information on how to make a submission .
Public submissions now open for the General Review of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA)
During Prime Minister Albanese's visit to China in July 2025, Australia and China agreed to commence a General Review of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA). Review provisions are standard, built-in features of many of Australia's Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), including ChAFTA. DFAT is seeking submissions to inform its assessment on how well ChAFTA is working since its entry into force in December 2015, including areas for improvement. Submissions are due by 31 March 2026. Click here for further information on how to make a submission.
FINAL Call for submissions: Southeast Asia Free Trade Agreements modernisation review
Don't miss your chance to contribute to the modernisation of Australia's Free Trade Agreements (FTA) in Southeast Asia. DFAT is seeking views on what's working well, what could be improved, your priorities and whether there is scope for any new bilateral agreements in the region. Submissions close on 31 December 2025. If you need more time to finalise your submission, please reach out to us on FTAmodernisation@dfat.gov.au about a possible extension.
Supply Nation Indigenous Business Trade Fairs – Adelaide/Tarndanya and Melbourne/Naarm
Registrations are now open for Supply Nation's Indigenous Business Trade Fairs in Adelaide/Tarndanya and Melbourne/Naarm in February 2026. The Adelaide event will be held from 9:00am to 12:30pm on Tuesday 17 February 2026 at the Adelaide Convention Centre, while the Melbourne event will be held from 9:00am to 12:30pm on Thursday 19 February 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. To exhibit, businesses must be registered or certified with Supply Nation, and have updated their Indigenous Business Direct profile in the last 12 months. To register, please go to: Indigenous Business Trade Fair Adelaide or Indigenous Business Trade Fair Melbourne.
Consultation on a National Statement on First Nations in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is developing a National Statement on First Nations in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to drive greater economic inclusion for First Nations Australians in the agricultural sector. Consultation on a draft National Statement is planned to commence in 2026. Click here for a discussion paper and further information.
Food & Hospitality Asia (FHA) Singapore Trade Mission 2026
Applications are now open for Global Victoria's trade mission to Food & Hospitality Asia (FHA) Food & Beverage in Singapore from 20 to 24 April 2026. FHA Singapore is the region's leading international food and hospitality event, and attracts highly qualified buyers from the region and beyond. In 2025, the FHA Hosted Buyer Programme attracted 347 pre-qualified buyers from over 20 countries and regions.
Export-ready Victorian food and beverage companies based or headquartered in Victoria are welcome to apply. With over 80,000 attendees expected and more than 2,750 exhibitors across ten halls, join Global Victoria at what is set to be the biggest FHA in a decade.
Companies representing the following categories are encouraged to apply:
- Packaged Foods: functional, clean-label, portion-sized, sustainable packaging
- Beverages: non-alcoholic, functional, ready-to-drink, plant-based
- Dairy: organic, specialty
- Horticulture & nuts
- Meat
- Seafood
For more information, see Global Victoria's Food & Hospitality Asia (FHA) Singapore Trade Mission 2026 website.
$50 million to help Australian exporters access new export markets
Austrade has launched the Accessing New Markets Initiative (ANMI) to help exporters diversify their export markets. Click here to read more about ANMI and the trade services that Austrade is providing on the Go Global Toolkit.