Image: Bedford Downs Stock Route Walk 2024, East Kimberley, Jaru Country, Western Australia
The NIAA’s work is guided by our purpose. We focus on building genuine partnerships, investing effectively, and leading and coordinating across government to achieve better outcomes for First Nations peoples and communities. Our key activities to deliver our purpose are:
Build and maintain effective partnerships to support the empowerment and self-determination of First Nations peoples
To deliver effectively for First Nations peoples, the NIAA must have strong and productive relationships with stakeholders, particularly First Nations communities. These partnerships are the foundation of our work and bring diverse perspectives to our policies and programs to ensure we deliver what communities want and need.
Lead and coordinate across government to implement the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (the National Agreement)
The NIAA provides a central coordination point for the National Agreement. We play a key influencing role across government to accelerate efforts and progress. While responsibility for Closing the Gap and reconciliation is shared across governments, the NIAA is critical to driving change that is aligned with the priorities of First Nations peoples.
Invest and deliver programs and policies to achieve positive outcomes for First Nations peoples and communities
The NIAA drives positive outcomes for First Nations peoples. We fund services and programs under the Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS) and manage the Indigenous Procurement Policy. We work to ensure the IAS is delivering effectively for communities, with a particular focus on strengthening employment outcomes. Our focus is on improving the impact of Commonwealth investment to build Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled sectors to maximise benefits for First Nations peoples.
Use evaluation findings and information to inform evidence-based decisions that support the positive impact of policies and programs
Evaluating program effectiveness supports evidence-based decision making and ensures investments are effective and targeted to community needs. We work with First Nations peoples to ensure our collection and use of data is culturally sensitive and governance of Indigenous data is appropriately managed.
Image: Torres Strait Islander performers, Garma Festival 2023, East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory