Our Performance

Our performance depends on our ability to build and maintain genuine partnerships and cooperation with all stakeholders.

We plan and measure our performance over multiple reporting periods. Our performance measures are directly linked to our key activities and purpose. The results will be reported in the Annual Performance Statement in the NIAA Annual Report 2023–2024.

We use a mix of both qualitative and quantitative measures and data sources that are reliable, verifiable and free from bias.

Our performance measure profiles include details of how we measure progress in achieving our purpose through our key activities outlined on page 11. They identify:

• Performance measures – how we will measure and assess progress towards an intended result, within each of our key activities.
• Targets – specific criteria we will measure success against, over time.
• Rationales and methodologies – data sources and information we will use to confirm our performance and the method we use to collect the information to monitor results and track progress.

Our performance will be measured against a performance result key that describes the criteria for meeting a target. This defines performance results as:

• Achieved – In the reporting period, the NIAA delivered the performance measure and/or target.
• Substantially Achieved – In the reporting period, the achieved result was within 5% of the target, or was achieved in full but not within the target timeframe.
• Partially Achieved – In the reporting period, the NIAA partially achieved against the performance measure and/or target.
• Not achieved – In the reporting period, the performance measure and/or target was not met.

Where a performance measure has more than one target, the weighting of the performance targets is explained, and this will be used to determine achievement of the measure.

Key Activity 1

• Lead and coordinate the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
• Coordinating the Australian Government’s implementation of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap through partnership and engagement with other Australian Government portfolios, First Nations representatives as well as state, territory and local governments.

Measure 1.1: The NIAA delivers the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and implementation plan through partnerships and engagement with other Australian Government portfolios, First Nations representatives, and state, territory and local governments.

Portfolio Budget Statements:

Program 1.7: Program Support (Pg. 211)

Targets

• Coordinates and delivers a Commonwealth Closing the Gap annual report and updates to the Commonwealth Implementation Plan within the reporting period
• Coordinates whole-of-government implementation of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap
• Milestones in implementing the Priority Reform actions have been achieved (where applicable)

Rationale

The Commonwealth Implementation Plan outlines the Australian Government’s commitments to achieve the targets and deliver on the Priority Reforms in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

The Priority Reforms were agreed in partnership with the Coalition of Peaks and all levels of government. Leading the Government’s approach to embedding these Priority Reforms is how we will change the way we work with First Nations Australians and provide the foundation for future progress against the targets and supporting the aspirations of First Nations peoples.

Methodology and data sources

• Quantitative assessment against timeframe supported by qualitative analysis of actions taken.
• Assessment of the NIAA’s leadership and coordination role through analysis of records from committees and meetings. These include weekly Interdepartmental committee meetings across the Government, internal meetings for implementation within the NIAA, Joint Working Group, Partnership Working Group and Joint Council.
• Analysis of the extent of implementation of the Priority Reforms will include data sets relating to meetings to drive/deliver sector-strengthening plans, policy partnerships and working group meetings. Maintaining effective partnership arrangements with the Coalition of Peaks analysis will include a review of records of fortnightly meetings, drafting group with jurisdictions, and workshop sessions with the Coalition of Peaks.

Explanation of changes since 2022-23 Corporate Plan

Measure numbers have been updated to reflect the reordering of our key activities. This measure was number 7.2 in the 2022-23 Corporate Plan.

Measure 1.2 Proportion of the NIAA’s investment through IAS grants that align with Closing the Gap outcomes and Priority Reforms

Portfolio Budget Statements

Program 1.7: Program Support (Pg. 211)

Targets

100% of IAS grant investments contribute to Closing the Gap outcomes and Priority Reforms

Rationale

The NIAA is responsible for allocating Australian Government funding via Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS) grants to support achievement of the Closing the Gap outcomes and Priority Reforms.

Methodology and data sources

• Quantitative (output measure).
• Data source is the mandatory grant activity coding processes of IAS grants in our grant management system (FUSION).
• Calculation will assess proportion of IAS grants assessed within the reporting period that show contribution towards Closing the Gap outcomes and Priority Reforms.

Explanation of changes since 2022-23 Corporate Plan:

Measure numbers have been updated to reflect the reordering of our key activities. This measure was number 7.1 in the 2022-23 Corporate Plan.

Key Activity 2

• Implement the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
• The NIAA coordinates activities and delivers the Government’s commitment to the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

Measure 2.1 The NIAA supports the Government to implement the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

Targets

The NIAA continues to support Government processes to implement the Uluru Statement from the Heart, including support to deliver a referendum to enshrine an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in the Constitution, progressing regional governance and voice policy development, and preparing for the establishment of an independent Makarrata Commission

Rationale

This measure relates to the NIAA’s role in coordinating and supporting government processes to implement the Uluru Statement from the Heart, including the referendum to enshrine an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in the Constitution.

Methodology and data sources

• Performance result will be calculated by a quantitative assessment against milestones agreed by Government.
• This will be supported by a qualitative analysis of the NIAA’s coordination and support of government processes.

Explanation of changes since 2022-23 Corporate Plan

Measure numbers have been updated to reflect the reordering of our key activities. This measure was number 8.1 in the 2022-23 Corporate Plan, and now incorporates what was previously Measure 5.2 (Regional voice arrangements).

The target has been updated to reflect expected milestones within the reporting period.

Key Activity 3

• Enhance economic outcomes for First Nations peoples.
• Design, implement and deliver policies, strategies and programs to enhance Indigenous economic outcomes.

Measure 3.1 Proportion of IAS Program 1.1 activities that are assessed by NIAA Agreement Managers as having core service delivery elements which meet or exceed requirements.

Portfolio Budget Statements

Program 1.1: Jobs, Land and the Economy (Pg. 205)

Targets

Rationale

This measure relates directly to the purpose of the NIAA to enable the self-determination and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through employment skills and training pathways by leading the development of the Australian Government’s approach, focusing on place based, service delivery partnerships, and effectively delivering programs through the Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS).

Targets identified reflect how activities are delivered in a complex and multifaceted environment and account for impacting external factors beyond the control of the NIAA. For example, in the case of floods, communities can be cut off and service delivery is compromised for periods of time.

The objectives of program 1.1 are to enhance Indigenous Australians economic rights, improve employment and pathways to jobs, foster Indigenous business and assist

Indigenous people to generate economic and social benefits from effective use of their land and waters, particularly in remote areas resulting in positive progress on relevant Closing the Gap outcomes.

Methodology and data sources

• Quantitative assessment of core service delivery of IAS grant activities, specifically the service delivery key performance indicator (KPI), contained in service provision agreements (output measure).
• The period of data used to measure our performance is the most recent 12 month period for which sufficient data is available, to avoid bias in the result.

For the 2023–24 Financial Year, the data reported would be drawn from IAS performance report assessments completed by NIAA Agreement Managers for performance reports covering the period from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.

Note: Data reported is drawn from IAS performance report assessments completed by NIAA Agreement Managers, for the relevant reporting periods.

A number of Program 1.1 Jobs Land and Economy IAS activities are managed in the Employment Services System. These are employment-focused activities, generally paid per employment outcome. As such, different performance management arrangements apply to this cohort of IAS activities than those applied to most IAS activities, and therefore, they are excluded from data used to calculate achievement of this measure.

Explanation of changes since 2022-23 Corporate Plan

Measure numbers have been updated to reflect the reordering of our key activities. This measure was number 1.1 in the 2022-23 Corporate Plan.

Measure 3.2 The extent to which the NIAA contributes to effective implementation of the Australian Government’s Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP) across the APS; leading to increased Government procurement from First Nations owned businesses.

Targets

1. The NIAA’s stewardship, advice, engagement and guidance on the IPP policy and reporting system across the APS are effective
2. Portfolios achieve their annual targets, as set out in the IPP

Rationale

The NIAA provides stewardship and support for the Australian Government’s IPP, leading to enhanced Indigenous economic outcomes through increased Government procurement from First Nations owned businesses. This is intended to result in positive progress on Closing the Gap outcome 8 (Strong economic participation and development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities).

The IPP defines success as all portfolios meeting their targets for the number and value of contracts awarded to First Nations businesses.

Methodology and data sources:

• Portfolio’s central procurement areas will be surveyed annually on the effectiveness of the NIAA’s policy advice, training, IPP Reporting Solution system support and guidance materials.
• Quantitative assessment of the whole-of-government procurement in First Nations–owned business (equal weighting between the value target and the volume target of eligible procurements awarded to Indigenous enterprises each financial year). For more detail please see the Indigenous Portfolio Policy.
• Data is collected through the IPP Reporting Solution. AusTender data is matched with ORIC and Supply Nation’s list of First Nations owned business ABNs. Departments manually upload low-value purchases with First Nations owned businesses.
• For the measure to be achieved, both targets must be met.

Explanation of changes since 2022-23 Corporate Plan:

Measure numbers have been updated to reflect the reordering of our key activities. This measure was number 1.2 in the 2022-23 Corporate Plan.

The wording of the measure has been amended to better capture the NIAA’s policy leadership role of the IPP, and the annual targets that exist within the IPP.

Key Activity 4

Support early childhood development and wellbeing, and First Nations peoples educational participation and attainment.

Design, implement and deliver policies, strategies and programs to support early childhood development and wellbeing; school attendance, engagement and attainment; and further education.

Measure 4.1 Proportion of IAS Program 1.2 activities that are assessed by NIAA Agreement Managers as having core service delivery elements which meet or exceed requirements.

Portfolio Budget Statements

Program 1.2: Children and Schooling (Pg. 206)

Targets

Rationale

This measure relates directly to the purpose of the NIAA to enable the self-determination and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through delivering activities aimed at supporting early childhood development and wellbeing, school attendance, attainment and improved post school pathways.

Targets identified reflect how activities are delivered in a complex and multifaceted environment and account for impacting external factors beyond the control of the NIAA. For example, in the case of floods, communities can be cut off, and service delivery is compromised for periods of time.

The objectives of program 1.2 are improved wellbeing, development, access and attainment of education for First Nations children and students, resulting in positive progress on relevant Closing the Gap outcomes.

Methodology and data sources

• Quantitative assessment of core service delivery of IAS grant activities, specifically the key service delivery KPI, contained in service provision agreements (output measure).
• The period of data used to measure our performance is the most recent 12 month period for which sufficient data is available, to avoid bias in the result.

For the 2023–24 Financial Year, the data reported would be drawn from IAS performance report assessments completed by NIAA Agreement Managers for performance reports covering the period from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.

Explanation of changes since 2022-23 Corporate Plan

Measure numbers have been updated to reflect the reordering of our key activities. This measure was number 2.1 in the 2022-23 Corporate Plan.

Key Activity 5

Improve mental health, emotional and physical wellbeing and safety.

Design, implement and deliver policies, strategies and programs to improve mental health, emotional and physical wellbeing and safety.

Measure 5.1 Proportion of IAS Program 1.3 activities that are assessed by NIAA Agreement Managers as having core service delivery elements which meet or exceed requirements.

Portfolio Budget Statements

Program 1.3: Safety and Wellbeing (Pg. 207)

Targets

Rationale

This measure relates directly to the purpose of the NIAA to enable the self-determination and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through delivering activities aimed at improving wellbeing and/or reducing levels of offending, violence and substance abuse.

Targets identified reflect how activities are delivered in a complex and multifaceted environment and account for impacting external factors beyond the control of the NIAA. For example, in the case of floods, communities can be cut off, and service delivery is compromised for periods of time.

The objectives of program 1.3 are improved mental health and physical, emotional and social wellbeing of First Nations peoples, resulting in positive progress on relevant Closing the Gap outcomes.

Methodology and data sources

• Quantitative assessment of core service delivery of IAS grant activities, specifically the key service delivery KPI, contained in service provision agreements (output measure).
• The period of data used to measure our performance is the most recent 12 month period for which sufficient data is available, to avoid bias in the result. For the 2023–2024 Financial Year, the data reported would be drawn from IAS performance report assessments completed by NIAA Agreement Managers for performance reports covering the period from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.

Explanation of changes since 2022-23 Corporate Plan

Measure numbers have been updated to reflect the reordering of our key activities. This measure was number 3.1 in the 2022-23 Corporate Plan.

Key Activity 6

Maintain cultural expression and conservation, and support First Nations participation in policy development and decision-making.

Design, implement and deliver policies, strategies and programs to ensure the maintenance of Indigenous cultural expression and conservation, and support First Nations participation in policy development and decision-making.

Measure 6.1 Proportion of IAS Program 1.4 activities that are assessed by NIAA Agreement Managers as having core service delivery elements which meet or exceed requirements.

Portfolio Budget Statements

Program 1.4: Culture and Capability (Pg. 208)

Targets

Rationale

This measure relates directly to the purpose of the NIAA to enable the self-determination and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by delivering a wide range of important services that support culture and capability.

Targets identified reflect how activities are delivered in a complex and multifaceted environment and account for impacting external factors beyond the control of the NIAA. For example, in the case of floods, communities can be cut off, and service delivery is compromised for periods of time.

The objectives of program 1.4 are to contribute to outcomes in support of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap through contributing to the maintenance

of Indigenous cultural expression and conservation, equal participation in the economic and social life of the nation and the improved capabilities of Indigenous organisations.

Methodology and data sources

• Quantitative assessment of core service delivery of IAS grant activities, specifically the key service delivery KPI, contained in service provision agreements (output measure).
• The period of data used to measure our performance is the most recent 12 month period for which sufficient data is available, to avoid bias in the result. For the 2023–2024 Financial Year, the data reported would be drawn from IAS performance report assessments completed by NIAA Agreement Managers for performance reports covering the period from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.

Explanation of changes since 2022-23 Corporate Plan

Measure numbers have been updated to reflect the reordering of our key activities. This measure was number 4.1 in the 2022-23 Corporate Plan.

Key Activity 7: Enhance regional governance, and improved partnerships with communities.

Design, implement and deliver policies, strategies and programs to enhance regional governance, and improved partnerships with communities.

Measure 7.1 Proportion of IAS Program 1.5 activities that are assessed by NIAA Agreement Managers as having core service delivery elements which meet or exceed requirements.

Portfolio Budget Statements

Program 1.5: Remote Australia Strategies (Pg. 209)

Targets

Rationale

This measure relates directly to the purpose of the NIAA to enable the self-determination and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by delivering a wide range of important services that enhance regional governance, and improve partnerships with communities through place-based practice.

Targets identified reflect how activities are delivered in a complex and multifaceted environment and account for impacting external factors beyond the control of the NIAA. For example, in the case of floods, communities can be cut off, and service delivery is compromised for periods of time.

The objectives of program 1.5 are to support the achievement of outcomes across the IAS priority areas of schooling, employment and community safety through enhanced regional governance and improved partnerships with communities in remote areas.

Methodology and data sources

• Quantitative assessment of core service delivery of IAS grant activities, specifically the key service delivery KPI, contained in service provision agreements (output measure).
• The period of data used to measure our performance is the most recent 12 months for which sufficient data is available to avoid bias in the result.

For the 2023–2024 financial year, the data reported would be drawn from IAS performance report assessments completed by NIAA Agreement Managers for performance reports covering the period from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.

Explanation of changes since 2022-23 Corporate Plan

Measure numbers have been updated to reflect the reordering of our key activities. This measure was number 5.1 in the 2022-23 Corporate Plan.

Measure 7.2 Develop, implement and strengthen partnerships with communities.

Targets

Progress has been made in the development and implementation of plans or agreements in partnership with communities

By 30 June 2024, existing Empowered Communities regions will have:

• Agreed a Joint Decision Making framework with the NIAA
• Received biannual reports on IAS investment in the Empowered Communities region from the NIAA

Rationale

A focus on place and working in partnership is integral to the NIAA’s purpose of enabling the self-determination and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and enabling First Nations peoples to have a say in matters that affect them. Empowered Communities is one of the NIAA’s formal partnerships demonstrating the strong partnership elements of Priority Reform 1: formal partnerships and shared decision-making. The objectives of program 1.5 are to support the achievement of outcomes across the IAS priority areas of schooling, employment and community safety through enhanced regional governance and improved partnerships with communities in remote areas.

Methodology and data sources

• Qualitative assessment of development and implementation of plans and agreements in partnership with communities, based on case studies.
• Managers of relevant NIAA Groups that partner with communities and Indigenous stakeholders would nominate one case study at the start of each financial year (or as part of mid-cycle reporting) – nominated topics should reflect expectation that real progress/change on the ground will be made over the course of the year through partnership with communities and relevant other stakeholders.
• The focus is on plans and agreements developed and/or implemented by the NIAA in genuine (formalised) partnership with community and other key partners, and which support community priorities and aspirations. Quantitative assessment of the number of Empowered Communities during the reporting period that have undertaken a joint decision making round or have a Joint Decision Making framework in place, and received a biannual report on IAS investment for the Empowered Communities region.
• Data source is an Empowered Communities backbone organisation’s agreement to a Joint Decision Making framework or undertaking a joint decision making round (for example, meeting records or written agreement with the NIAA), and NIAA correspondence to Empowered Communities backbone organisations providing a biannual update on IAS investment.
• The IAS regional investment report for each Empowered Communities region provides the estimated location attribution of funding for the current financial year, summarised either by IAS program or Indigenous location, or as negotiated with each Empowered Communities region.
• For the measure to be achieved, all targets must be met.

Explanation of changes since 2022-23 Corporate Plan

Measure numbers have been updated to reflect the reordering of our key activities. This measure was number 5.3 in the 2022-23 Corporate Plan. This measure has been amended to make it a more meaningful indicator of performance against a more defined measure and target.

Empowered Communities is part of the NIAA’s action on Closing the Closing the Gap Priority Reforms, towards implementing formal partnerships and shared decision making (Priority Reform 1).

⁶ Future performance measures for Empowered Communitites will be considered in the post referendum context.Return to footnote 6 ↩

Key Activity 8: Evaluate the NIAA’s programs

Undertake evaluations of the NIAA’s programs in line with the IAS Evaluation Framework and incorporating evaluations into policies and programs delivered by the NIAA.

Measure 8.1 Maintain an up-to-date IAS Evaluation Work Plan on the NIAA website.

Portfolio Budget Statements

Program 1.6: Evaluation and Research (Pg. 210)

Targets

Minimum of 4 updates made to the Work Plan in 2023-24

Rationale

The NIAA invests in evaluations, reviews, data improvement activities, capability development and research to inform the design and delivery of policies and programs, and to understand the extent to which the Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS) is achieving its goal of supporting the aspirations of First Nations peoples.

The objective of program 1.6 is to support the self-determination and aspirations of Indigenous Australians by incorporating evaluation of and research into policies and programs impacting on Indigenous peoples delivered by the NIAA.

Methodology and data sources

• Quantitative assessment against timeline (output measure).
• Substantive updates to the Workplan are to be made across the year as planned.

Explanation of changes since 2022-23 Corporate Plan

Measure numbers have been updated to reflect the reordering of our key activities. This measure was number 6.1 in the 2022-23 Corporate Plan.

The target of this measure has been updated to reflect a change in the management of the Evaluation Work plan. Where this was previously updated and published annually, it is now maintained online, with a commitment to update quarterly.

Key Activity 8: Evaluate the NIAA’s programs

Undertake evaluations of the NIAA‘s programs in line with the IAS Evaluation Framework and incorporating evaluations into policies and programs delivered by the NIAA.

Measure 8.2 Proportion of completed IAS Evaluation Work Plan evaluations that are published within 6 months of a management response being accepted by the NIAA.

Portfolio Budget Statements

Program 1.6: Evaluation and Research (Pg. 210)

Targets

100% of IAS Evaluation Work Plan evaluations completed in 2023 that are published in full or in summary within 6 months of a management response being accepted by the NIAA

Rationale

The NIAA invests in evaluations, reviews, data improvement activities, capability development and research to inform the design and delivery of policies and programs, and to understand the extent to which the Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS) is achieving its goal of supporting the aspirations of First Nations peoples.

Program 1.6 seeks to incorporate evaluation of and research into policies and programs impacting on Indigenous peoples delivered by the NIAA in order to support greater self-determination. Through the IAS Evaluation Framework the NIAA commits to make evaluation reports publically available.

Methodology and data sources

• Quantitative assessment of released completed evaluations on the IAS Evaluation Work Plan (output measure).
• The target timeframe for publication is within 6 months of a final evaluation report management response being accepted, so the calculation of the performance result will assess all final evaluation reports accepted between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023, and their respective publication dates between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024.

Explanation of changes since 2022-23 Corporate Plan

Measure numbers have been updated to reflect the reordering of our key activities. This measure was number 6.2 in the 2022-23 Corporate Plan.

Minor wording changes have been made since the publication of the 2022–2023 Corporate Plan and 2023–2024 PBS to clarify the measure. Although the changes are not substantive, they are important for understanding. The intent of the measure and target are unchanged.