In July 2022, the First Nations Portfolio hosted the Marra marra murru First Nations Economic Development Symposiumand Wealth Forum, bringing together 170 Indigenous leaders, policymakers and entrepreneurs from Australia, Canada, the United States and Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Symposium highlighted the urgent need for a significant shift in Australian public policy to support First Nations economic development.
Building on this momentum, the Portfolio, with support from the National Indigenous Australians Agency, delivered the Murru waaruu (On Track) First Nations Economic Development Seminar Series throughout 2023.
The six-part series explored critical topics such as treaty and settlement, rights and assets, economic self-determination, and institutional frameworks. It engaged over 260 participants from diverse sectors including government, academia and First Nations organisations.
The Seminar Series culminated in the formation of the First Nations Economic Empowerment Alliance and produced a set of reform proposals to guide future policy.
Together, these initiatives mark a powerful step toward a more equitable and self-determined economic future for First Nations peoples in Australia.
The Murru waaruu Outcomes Report was published in May 2024.