Recent News
Fifth meeting of the pilot First Nations Trade and Investment Advisory Group
The fifth meeting of the pilot First Nations Trade and Investment Advisory Group took place on the lands of the Yugambeh speaking people in Gold Coast on 3 June 2026. The meeting coincided with the annual AIATSIS Summit, enabling members to engage in a range of sessions on 4 June 2026. This included participating in a panel discussion moderated by the Ambassador for First Nations People, Mr Justin Mohamed, that explored how traditional knowledge informs Australia's international engagement and work underway to expand Indigenous participation in global trade, supporting First Nations businesses to export, create jobs, and benefit from international opportunities.
Release of Blueprint for a First Nations Fiscal Architecture in Australia
The First Nations Economic Empowerment Alliance (FNEEA) recently released a Blueprint for a First Nations Fiscal Architecture in Australia. Prepared by FNEEA, and the Centre for Indigenous Economic Transformation at the Australian National University, the Blueprint sets out a practical framework to support First Nations economic self-determination.
Sixth meeting of the Ministerial Council on Trade and Investment
Commonwealth, State and Territory Trade and Investment Ministers met on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation at Investment Centre Victoria in Melbourne on 11 June 2026, for the sixth meeting of the Ministerial Council on Trade and Investment.
2026 Advance Export Program
EY and Supply Nation's 2026 Advance Export Program commenced in May with a two‑day in‑person workshop. The expanded program now supporting 10 Indigenous businesses, including seven Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander enterprises and three Māori organisations, as they pursue global growth opportunities. Building on last year's pilot, the six‑month program is designed to strengthen export readiness and international competitiveness, the initiative provides participants with customised guidance, market access opportunities and strategic support to help scale their businesses sustainably on the global stage. For more information contact exportnation@supplynation.org.au.
Release of the Tasmanian Access Strategy 2040
On 20 June 2026, the Tasmanian Government released the Tasmanian Access Strategy 2040. The Strategy will focus on four pillars: benefit for Tasmanians; a sustainable, affordable and reliable air and sea network; visitor destination appeal; and infrastructure and services.
Upcoming Events, Programs and Grant Opportunities
IPETCA Event - Indigenous Participation in Environmental Markets: Governance, Value and Pathways – Thursday, 2 July 2026 from 10:00AM
Join Indigenous leaders, practitioners and advisers from across Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement (IPETCA) economies on Thursday, 2 July 2026 from 10:00AM to explore Indigenous participation in carbon and biodiversity markets. Further information or to register visit IPETCA Event - Indigenous Participation in Environmental Markets: Governance, Value and Pathways
Calling for Applications - Director of Centre for Indigenous Economic Transformation
The Centre for Indigenous Economic Transformation (CIET) at the ANU are seeking applications for a new Director. Applications close 11:59PM AEST on Sunday, 12 July 2026.
Supply Connect – Tuesday, 11 to Wednesday, 12 August 2026
Supply Nation's annual flagship event, Supply Connect, heads west – to the lands of the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation in Boorloo (Perth). For further information visit: Connect 2026.
Melbourne Global Exchange: Do Business, Grow Partnerships
From 31 August – 11 September 2026, Melbourne will host a series of world-class business events that will unite the world's most influential voices in business, sport, government, and industry. Across two high-impact weeks, Melbourne Global Exchange provides a powerful platform to connect with global peers, collaborate on world-leading innovations, and unlock new opportunities to enhance trade and investment globally. Be part of a series of world-class business and sporting events, spanning food and beverage, fintech, innovation and AI, and sports business; culminating in the historic first NFL regular season game ever played on Australian soil.
Applications Open – First Nations Clean Energy Advice Grants
Applications for Round 1 of the First Nations Clean Energy Advice Grants are open until 5:00PM AEST on Thursday, 3 September 2026. These small-scale grants, ranging from $5,000 to $80,000, can be used for training, planning and professional advice on clean energy projects and development. They are designed to assist First Nations organisations and groups to build skills, confidence and knowledge in the sector, and are part of the Australian Government's First Nations Clean Energy Strategy 2024–30.
Reminder: First Nations Trade and Investment CEO and Director Network
DFAT is seeking expressions of interest from First Nations business leaders interested in joining the First Nations Trade and Investment CEO and Director Network.
The Network is a key outcome under pillar two of the Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement First Nations Action Plan, which was launched in November 2025.
The Network will build and strengthen cultural and business relationships between First Nations business leaders and international stakeholders, including business leaders in Asia and the Middle East.
The Network will:
- Promote First Nations trade and investment interests internationally
- Help inform domestic understanding of international trade and investment opportunities.
Members of the Network will have opportunities to attend trade and investment related events in Australia, particularly related to key regions including Asia and the Middle East and receive information about major events overseas that might be of interest.
If you are a CEO or Director and would like to join, please fill in the following form to express your interest: First Nations Trade and Investment CEO and Director Network - Expression of Interest.