- The inquiry
Referral of the inquiry
1.1On 27 March 2024, the Committee adopted an inquiry into economic self-determination and opportunities for First Nations Australians following a referral fromthe then Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Linda Burney MP.
1.2The terms of reference for the inquiry are listed on page xv of this report.
Conduct of the inquiry
1.3The Committee received 109 submissions and 21 supplementary submissions. These are listed at AppendixA.
1.4The Committee held 8 public hearings in person and via videoconference, in Canberra, Melbourne, and Perth. These are listed at AppendixB.
Report structure
1.5Chapter 2 outlines the context within which the inquiry took place, including the intergenerational context, the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and existing economic policy frameworks, and the case for an economic pathway forward.
1.6Chapter 3 looks at opportunities to support First Nations business development, including enhancing data capability, concerns about the definition of a First Nations business, and support for Indigenous business networks.
1.7Chapter 4 considers opportunities to enhance access to capital, and finance and activating the Indigenous Estate.
1.8Chapter 5 examines the commercial opportunity of protecting Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property and potential reforms to Australian intellectual property laws.
1.9Chapter 6 considers the opportunities for, and barriers to, improved outcomes for First Nations peoples in relation to education and employment, including new and emerging industries.
1.10Chapter 7 discusses the experiences of international jurisdictions in fostering economic independence for First Nations communities.