Image: Watching the performers at Barunga Festival 2024, Northern Territory
Overview
The NIAA is an Executive Agency as defined by section 65 of the Public Service Act 1999. It is a non-corporate Commonwealth entity as defined by the PGPA Act. The NIAA commenced operation on 1 July 2019.
The NIAA implements the Australian Government’s policies and programs to enable the self-determination and aspirations of First Nations communities by ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are heard, recognised and empowered. The NIAA influences policy across the Australian Government, and state and territory jurisdictions, to ensure First Nations policies, programs and services are developed and delivered effectively to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Our purpose
The NIAA works in genuine partnership to enable the self-determination and aspirations of First Nations communities. We lead and influence change across government to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a say in the decisions that affect them.
Our vision
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are heard, recognised and empowered.
Our values
The APS values set the standard for ethical behaviour across the public service. In addition, our work is underpinned by our shared values:
- We respect multiple perspectives
- We are authentic
- We are professional and act with integrity
- We invest in each other’s success
- We deliver with purpose
We continue to embed our values through our behaviour and actions, at all levels.
Who we work with
We work with a diverse range of stakeholders to deliver on our vision and purpose. We partner with First Nations communities and leaders, organisations, peak bodies and all levels of government to develop, implement and evaluate policies and programs.
We coordinate and influence across government to ensure policies and programs are fit for purpose, impactful and aligned with community aspirations. Further information about who we partner with can be found in the ‘Genuine partnerships’ section.