First Nations Trade and Investment Bulletin October 2026 edition

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: the Australian Government agency responsible for advancing Australia’s international interests

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) promotes and protects Australia’s international interests to support our security and prosperity. DFAT works with international partners and other countries to tackle global challenges, increase trade and investment opportunities, protect international rules, keep our region stable and help Australians overseas.

International trade and investment is critical to the Australian economy, creating jobs and prosperity, and opening up opportunities for Australian businesses to expand. Find out more about Australia’s trade and investment agenda.

The Government is committed to an inclusive international trade and investment agenda that drives economic growth for all Australians, including First Nations people and communities. This agenda aims to amplify First Nations voices, representation and participation in trade and investment, including strengthening First Nations engagement, greater coordination with government agencies, and leveraging existing trade and economic programs, agreements, and regional and multilateral frameworks.

For general matters on DFAT's work refer to contact DFAT.

For specific matters on First Nations Trade and Investment please contact the DFAT's First Nations Trade Unit (FTU) via email firstnationstrade@dfat.gov.au.

What is a free trade agreement?

A free trade agreement (FTA) is an international treaty between two or more economies that reduces or eliminates certain barriers to trade in goods and services, as well as investment. FTAs can improve market access across all areas of trade – goods, services and investment – and help to maintain and stimulate the competitiveness of Australian firms. This benefits Australian consumers through access to an increased range of better-value goods and services.

Find out more:

• About Australia's free trade agreements – information on agreements in force or under negotiation
• FTA Portal – a tool to assist businesses make the most of Australia's FTAs
• Have your say on FTAs
• How to take advantage of free trade agreement tariff rates
• Non-tariff trade barriers
• Australia’s trade and investment agenda as outlined by The Minister for Trade and Tourism in 2022.

One year anniversary of the Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)

The Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Australia-UAE CEPA) and the Agreement Between Australia and The United Arab Emirates on the Promotion and Protection of Investments (Investment Agreement) entered into force on 1 October 2025. The Australia-UAE CEPA contains Australia's inaugural Indigenous chapter in a free trade agreement (Chapter 17). For information on how the Australia-UAE CEPA is supporting First Nations Businesses.

New First Nations Trade and Investment video series released and featured on DFAT Trade Talk LinkedIn

Throughout October, the DFAT Trade Talk LinkedIn channel showcased First Nations businesses, their export journeys and the impact they have in their communities.

DFAT launched a series of videos to promote the economic contribution of First Nations trade and investment activities. The series are linked below:

• A pilot First Nations Trade and Investment Advisory Group (FNTIAG) campaign for a series of three videos highlighting the work of FNTIAG, and offering practical insights and advice for First Nations businesses looking to grow internationally. The three videos are available on YouTube: First Nations perspectives are helping shape Australia's trade future [youtube]; Export advice from Australia’s First Nations Trade and Investment Advisory Group [youtube]; Australia’s First Nations businesses take on opportunities in the United Arab Emirates [youtube].
• DFAT Trade Talk LinkedIn featured the story of Native Secrets highlighting the company's export success in the UAE under the CEPA. The video asset for this story can be seen on the DFAT Trade Talk LinkedIn. Access to the video asset is available on request via firstnationstrade@dfat.gov.au.
• Congratulations to all First Nations businesses who participated in 2026 Indigenous Business Month events #IndigenousBusinessMonth #IndigBizMonth #IBM2026 #LocalandConnected 

Recent News

Meet the national finalists for the First Nations Exporter

National finalists for the 64th Australian Export Awards have been announced, including the First Nations Exporter finalists.

• Kakadu Organics, Landsborough/Gubbi Gubbi, QLD
• Kirrikin, Como/Boodja Boorloo, WA
• Poseidon Animal Health, Unanderra/Dharawal, NSW
• Seven Seasons Spirits, Adelaide/Kaurna, SA

The First Nations category recognises the international success of First Nations businesses that have been exporting for three years or more in any industry.

Presented by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) in partnership with states and territories, the Australian Export Awards is Australia’s longest-running export awards program.

Learn more about the program, the First Nations Exporter category, and all the award categories at the Australian Export Awards.

Joint Standing Committee on Treaties recommends Australia ratify the World Intellectual Property Organization Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has conducted its inquiry into the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge (GRATK Treaty). The inquiry examined if Australia should ratify the GRATK Treaty. There were 13 submissions and two public hearings, with the majority of submissions supporting its ratification. On 9 September 2026, JSCOT released its report and recommendations:

• The Committee recommends the Australian Government consult relevant First Nations, the plant science industry and other relevant industry stakeholders during implementation of the GRATK Treaty.
• The Committee supports the GRATK Treaty and recommends that binding treaty action be taken.

More details on the submissions, hearings and report can be found on JSCOT’s website. The Australian Government will consider JSCOT’s report as part of the treaty process. IP Australia will continue to consult relevant stakeholders as it develops implementation options.

First Nations fashion takes Paris

Three First Nations fashion labels showed this season as part of the Australian Fashion Council's new Australian Fashion Rooms. The showroom is a home for Australian designers during Paris Fashion Week in October.

Twelve Australian designers took part. Among them were three of the country's leading First Nations labels:

• Ngali: the multi-award-winning label founded by Wiradjuri designer Denni Francisco.
• MAARA Collective: founded by Yuwaalaraay designer Julie Shaw. Maara means "hands" in the Yuwaalaraay and Gamilaraay languages, honouring the many hands behind each piece.
• Miimi and Jiinda: launched Migaana, their first Day to Night collection, designed and made in Australia.

The program opened with a reception at the residence of Her Excellency Lynette Wood, Australia's Ambassador to France. The evening brought together the Australian and international fashion communities. The designers then showed their collections to buyers, media and industry at Galerie Poggi. The Australian Fashion Rooms is supported by Austrade's Accessing New Markets Initiative, Create NSW and The Little Marionette. First Nations-owned creative agency Little Rocket also supported Ngali on the ground in Paris.

Escaping the fine print blocking First Nations Trade

The Lowy Institute's The Interpreter has published an article on Escaping the fine print blocking First Nations trade. The article discusses one possible approach to improve access for First Nations enterprises to insurance and trade finance through pooled risk, stronger governance and scale, which may help grow exports, economic resilience, and Australia's export diversification.

The ASEAN-Australia Centre

The ASEAN-Australia Centre’s 2026-27 grants round closed on 28 October with 369 applications submitted. Up to $2.2 million funding was available for eligible Australian organisations and individuals to undertake initiatives that will strengthen engagement with Southeast Asia across three streams: Economic engagement; Creative Industry and cultural connections; and Asia capability. Subscribe to the ASEAN-Australia Centre’s newsletter, LinkedIn and Instagram pages to receive updates on the outcome of this grants round and for more information on the Centre’s work. You can find more information on the Centre’s website.

Creative Australia: First Nations international exchange brings together practitioners across textile, customary adornment practices and fashion

First Nations practitioners working across textile, customary adornment and fashion have come together from across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and Turtle Island Canada through the Tri Nations Exchange Program, a three-year Creative Australia initiative supporting cultural exchange, collaboration, capacity building and First Nations-led sector development. Read more on the Creative Australia website.

Upcoming submissions, grants and international opportunities

Closing soon - EOIs for WHX Dubai, 25-28 January 2026

Join team Australia at WHX Dubai in the UAE from 25-28 January 2027 and connect with global and regional healthcare companies seeking new technologies and expertise to match their business needs. Austrade invites expressions of interest from Australian exporters with innovates capabilities and expertise in one of the following areas: medical devices/medtech, digital health, biotechnology and consumer health. Expressions of interest will close on Friday 6 November 2026.

Closing soon - EOIs for Cosmoprof Bologna, Italy (March 2027)

Join Team Australia at Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna, the leading global beauty trade event. Austrade will help Australian brands showcase their products, connect with international buyers and unlock new export opportunities. Learn more and express your interest Learn more and express your interest by Friday 6 November.

Closing soon - Growing Indigenous business in the Goldfields: apply for or sponsor a 2027 Mawal scholarship

Applications for the Mawal Leadership Program are now open for the 2027 scholarship cohort of this 12-month guided program for Indigenous entrepreneurs and professionals. It is led by Brad Welsh, the first Aboriginal CEO and Managing Director of an ASX-listed minerals company. The cohort commences in February 2027 and applications close Monday 30 November. Indigenous entrepreneurs and professionals can apply on the Mawal website. To sponsor a scholarship, download the Mawal Leadership Program Overview.

Calling for EOIs - BeSpirits, France (February 2027)

Austrade and state government partners invite Australian spirits producers to join the Australian booth at Be Spirits 2027 in Paris, a leading international trade event for the global spirits industry, attracting buyers, distributors, retailers and hospitality professionals. Learn more and express your interest.

Register for Seafood Expo Global, Spain (April 2027)

Austrade invites Australian seafood exporters to join the Australia Stand at Seafood Expo Global 2027 in Barcelona, one of Europe's largest seafood trade shows. Delivered with Seafood Industry Australia and supported by the Government of Western Australia. Learn more and register if interested.

Upcoming events and webinars

Go Global Export Academy webinars

Explore Austrade’s Export Academy webinars. You can book to join the experts live or watch on-demand at a time that suits you. All you need to book is a free account.

First Nations and the Energy Transition Forum (30 November – 1 December)

The First Nations and The Energy Transition Forum will be held in Perth from 30 November – 1 December. The Forum will address energy security and explore the role First Nations communities have in Australia’s transition to clean energy. 

First Nations Trade Unit
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

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