The fourth meeting of the pilot First Nations Trade and Investment Advisory Group (pilot Advisory Group) took place on the lands of the Ngunnawal people in Canberra on 26 November 2025.
Chaired by the Ambassador for First Nations People, Mr Justin Mohamed, members exchanged views on current trade and investment priorities with the Ambassador, Assistant Secretary of DFAT’s Stakeholder Engagement Branch, Ms Alison Airey, and Austrade’s Head of Indigenous Engagement and Export, Ms Melanie Harris. By invitation, John Hopkins, CEO of Export Finance Australia, joined the meeting to discuss services available to First Nations businesses.
Members reflected on the Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) First Nations Action Plan, which was launched by the Minister for Trade and Tourism at Parliament House after the meeting. The pilot Advisory Group prioritised the development of the Action Plan, which provides support for First Nations businesses to benefit from the historic Indigenous trade and economic chapter in the CEPA. The launch is a significant outcome for the pilot Advisory Group, which proposed the development of this plan at its inaugural meeting on 12 February 2025.
Members discussed their trade and investment priorities for 2026 including Australia’s free trade agreement agenda, increased participation in major trade events both at home and overseas, as well as how best to position First Nations interests in international fora such as the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement. Members also explored options for increase collaboration with like-minded bilateral partners on promoting First Nations trade and investment outcomes.
Members further discussed the planned review of the pilot Advisory Group, which will commence in early 2026. The group will next meet in the first quarter of 2026.