The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has established the Office for First Nations International Engagement to implement the Australian Government's commitment to embed First Nations perspectives into Australia's foreign policy.

The Government has provided $13.6 million over four years from 2023-24 to continue and expand efforts to boost First Nations trade and investment and enhance collaboration between First Nations communities and partners across the Indo-Pacific.

Led by the Ambassador for First Nations People, Mr Justin Mohamed, the Office is working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to identify new areas of cooperation between First Nations communities and our international partners – including in intellectual property and exports, climate change, tourism and development.

With the funding, the Office will lead the development of –

• a pilot First Nations trade and investment advisory group
• a First Nations Visitor Economy Partnership
• support for the use of the intellectual property system to protect Indigenous knowledge, and
• greater First Nations business participation through Austrade's programs and services.

This is an important step in ensuring that Australia has dedicated First Nations representation in our international engagement, and that First Nations communities share in the benefits of this work. The establishment of this Office supports DFAT's commitment under the 2023 National Agreement on Closing the Gap.