Coalition of Peaks invites community input on new partnership to grow employment, training and business opportunities

Have you had trouble getting a loan for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander-owned business? Do mainstream employment services meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander jobseekers?

These are just a few of the questions the Coalition of Peaks, which represents more than 80 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled peak organisations, is asking through a series of online workshops, a survey, and a call for submissions throughout June. 

The engagements will help to shape a First Nations Economic Partnership, which the Federal Government committed to in September last year. 

The survey, released today, asks people to identify priorities for the partnership and who should represent them, and is open to anyone who wants to respond.

Chair of the First Nations Economic Partnership Working Group, Jamie Lowe, said the partnership would aim to improve economic outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

“The partnership will focus on the strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and organisations, supporting job creation and translating our knowledge, assets, and rights into sustainable benefits,” said Mr Lowe, who is also CEO of the National Native Title Council.

Coalition of Peaks Lead Convenor Catherine Liddle said shared-decision making was a cornerstone of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

“Formal partnerships between governments and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander bodies on key policy areas such as this are one important avenue for shared-decision making,” said Ms Liddle, who is also CEO of SNIACC - National Voice for Our Children. 

“This is not another government-led inquiry, advisory body or consultation. Policy partnerships require governments to relinquish some power and come to decisions by consensus with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives. 

“This new way of working ensures parties can regularly and directly meet with senior government officials on equal footing, and governments are required to report on progress.”

The Coalition of Peaks and Commonwealth Treasury are currently working together to shape the partnership and its priorities, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, businesses and individual community members are invited to get involved.

“Your involvement will be invaluable in making this a truly equitable partnership that focuses on the right areas for reform to achieve economic justice for our people,” Mr Lowe said. 

The community is invited to fill out a survey or make a submission before 30 June, and attend one of the remaining themed workshops:

Leveraging Cultural Assets: 14 June, 2.30-4.30pm AEST

Land and Water: 21 June, 12-2pm AEST

Prosperity in Macro Trends: 26 June, 3-5pm AEST

Media contact: Iona Salter (Essential Media), 0413 185 634, iona.salter@essentialmedia.com.au