National Statement on First Nations in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Share your views on the draft National Statement on First Nations in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

In 2024, Agriculture Ministers agreed to develop a National Statement on First Nations in Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry (National Statement). The National Statement aims to drive greater economic inclusion for First Nations Australians in the sector. It provides a whole-of-government policy direction to inform future decision-making and opportunities to advance First Nations economic self-determination in the sector.

Following extensive stakeholder engagement since May 2024, we have developed a draft National Statement and are now seeking your views to help ensure it is clear, appropriate and well-positioned.

Previous consultation

Since May 2024, we have engaged extensively with First Nations peoples and other key stakeholders to better understand the barriers and opportunities for Indigenous economic inclusion in the sector. This included in-person and virtual consultations with First Nations peoples, industry representatives, and government agencies across the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors.

Building on feedback received, we released a discussion paper between November – December 2025 to seek further views on key themes and opportunities for the draft National Statement.

Insights gathered through these processes have helped shape the draft National Statement.

Key documents

Draft National Statement on First Nations in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
[PDF - 1.2 MB] | [Word - 1.5 MB]