Trade and investment opportunities for business

The Federal Government is backing First Nations people, businesses and communities to take up new trade and investment opportunities through a new First Nations Trade and Investment Advisory Group.

Growing trade and investment links for First Nations people delivers well paying, secure jobs in communities across Australia.

“Our First Nations people were our first traders, exchanging goods with Makassan seafarers from Indonesia,” Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell said.

“These days First Nations businesses export a range of goods including native botanicals, art, design, cyber and clean energy solutions to the world markets.”

The group will help First Nations businesses tap into a wide array of trade and economic opportunities, including recently signed free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates, so that First Nations businesses can reap more of the benefits from international trade.

The membership includes a range of First Nations business leaders, industry groups and experts in international trade including:

Mr Bevan Mailman, Desert Springs Octopus
Mr Joshua Gilbert, Gilbert Consulting
Mr Cameron Costello, Costello Consultancy
Mr Brian Bero, First Nations Clean Energy Network
Ms Sharon Brindley, First Nations Bushfood and Botanical Alliance Australia
Mr Michael Dickerson, Gambarra Kaha
Ms Shannon McGuire, Kirrikin Foundation
Ms Leah Armstrong, First Nations Representative on the Indigenous Peoples Economic Trade and Cooperation Agreement (IPETCA)
Mr Leslie Delaforce, Dreamspark
Ms Jenny Wardrop, Supply Nation Representative
Ms Michelle Deshong, Deshong Consulting

“First Nations Australians are the holders of traditional knowledge and culture, and these perspectives can only benefit Australia’s international trade and investment agenda,” Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy said.

“Initiatives like the First Nations Trade and Investment Advisory Group ensure First Nations perspectives, experiences and interests are embedded in our international economic agenda.”