Benefits for First Nations people and businesses

The Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement (A-EU FTA) contains practical trade and investment outcomes for First Nations Australians.

The rights and interests of First Nations people are reflected throughout the agreement, including in the chapters on government procurement, intellectual property, services and investment, energy and resources, trade and sustainable development, and sustainable agriculture and food systems.

Engagement

We have consulted extensively with First Nations stakeholders throughout the negotiations, including with land councils, peak bodies, business networks and cooperatives. Input from First Nations stakeholders directly informed outcomes achieved within the A-EU FTA.

Embedding First Nations perspectives

In line with the Government's commitment to incorporate First Nations voices into Australian trade policy, the A-EU FTA explicitly acknowledges the importance of First Nations participation and leadership, and highlights key First Nations issues, including:

• conservation and sustainable use of diverse biological resources across ecosystems, including forests
• energy and resources
• intellectual property rights, including by recognising the value of First Nations peoples' involvement in international trade, protection of Indigenous knowledge and the importance of genetic resources
• enhancing cooperation on improving sustainable agri-food systems
• government procurement.

Opportunities for First Nations businesses

First Nations people and businesses stand to benefit from the outcomes of the A-EU FTA, including more opportunities for Australian businesses to export to the EU, cheaper EU imports to Australia and increased certainty for investors.

In addition, the A-EU FTA includes specific outcomes designed to support the growth of First Nations trade and investment, including:

• resale rights for Australian artists, including First Nations artists, to receive royalties when their artworks are resold in the EU
• providing a pathway for the protection of potential Australian geographical indications (GIs) in the EU under the A-EU FTA and including specific recognition of the value of GIs that protect, preserve or promote the Indigenous Knowledge of First Nations people
• new export opportunities for First Nations agricultural and food businesses, including in native bushfoods and botanicals
• preserving Australia's right to implement the Indigenous Procurement Policy, which provides First Nations businesses increased opportunities to participate in the economy
• preserving Australia's right to implement policies which provide more favourable treatment to First Nations people and organisations in services and investment disciplines, including energy and resources.