The Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS) is the way the Australian Government funds and delivers a range of programs for First Nations Australians. The IAS is administered by the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA)
The IAS has six key components:
- Jobs, Land and Economy
Promoting jobs and economic opportunities for First Nations Australians and their families, entities and communities, and assist them gain rights and interests in, or derive economic or social benefits from the use of land and sea. - Children and Schooling
Providing First Nations Australians a good start in life, improve schooling and school attendance and provide better access to developmental and educational opportunities. - Safety and Wellbeing
Promoting wellbeing (physical, mental, social and emotional), good nutrition, food security, health and safety, reducing crime and providing support and access to legal services and justice, addressing violence and substance abuse, promoting social inclusion and engagement, and providing access to information and support and community services. - Culture and Capability
Supporting First Nations Australians to develop and promote their culture and raise cultural awareness, as well as developing their capabilities. - Remote Australian Strategies
Address social and economic disadvantage particularly in remote Australia, by investing in housing, infrastructure and municipal or community services; and through place-based service delivery initiatives. - Research and Evaluation
Building the evidence base to support policy development and implementation, strengthening the monitoring, reporting and evaluation of First Nations programs, and improving the capability and capacity of First Nations communities, service providers and NIAA staff to undertake and use evaluations.
In the 2023-24 Budget, the Australian Government allocated $7.2 billion to the IAS, over four years to 2026-27.
Through the IAS, NIAA is working in genuine partnership to enable the self-determination and aspirations of First Nations communities.
The structure of the IAS supports working with First Nations Australians, communities, industries, business and service providers. It allows for joint development of solutions at the regional and local level. Funded providers are expected to work closely with First Nations communities in the design and delivery of projects.
Applying for funding
If you are interested in applying for IAS funding, you can see current and forecasted opportunities by going to GrantConnect.
You can also contact your local NIAA Regional Office.
Community Led pathways
Communities, organisations, businesses and individuals may approach the Agency with funding proposals. Please refer to Community Initiated Proposals for more information.