You are here

Indigenous Advancement Strategy

A new approach to engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to achieve real results.

The Australian Government is committed to achieving better results for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in three priority areas - getting children to school, adults into work and building safe communities.

To make this happen, the Government is transforming the way Indigenous programs are delivered through the implementation of the Indigenous Advancement Strategy.

The Indigenous Advancement Strategy consolidates the many different Indigenous policies and programs that were delivered by Government into five overarching programs, making it easier for organisations delivering local services. The program streams are:

  • Jobs, Land and Economy
  • Children and Schooling
  • Safety and Wellbeing
  • Culture and Capability
  • Remote Australia Strategies.

The Indigenous Advancement Strategy is changing the way Australian Government funding is delivered to ensure it is more flexible and better designed to meet the aspirations and priorities of individual communities. Together, we can achieve real and lasting results to close the gap on disadvantage and ensure all Australians have the same opportunities in life.

Indigenous Entrepreneurs Fund (IEF)

The IEF was a three year program that ended on 30 June 2019. Funding under the IEF is no longer available. Potential applicants can speak with their local NIAA office to discuss alternative options.

Recent stories

Conference delegates enjoy their time. Photo courtesy of PULiiMA.
8 Sep 2023
PULiiMA Indigenous Languages and Technology Conference, a biennial gathering, is a beacon of connection, wisdom, and empowerment for communities across the country.
20 Jul 2023

Happy 20th birthday to 3KND! 

3KND (3 Kool ‘n Deadly) Radio plays Deadly tunes and Kool programs, and like many First Nations stations, is a trusted source of news - a community hub that creates and advocates for a connected, strong and confident First Nations community.

Staff at 3KND work to build their reputation and relationships across its community. 

Dark green tile with lighter green border and yellow text: Media Release
8 Mar 2023

Today we are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Justin Mohamed as Australia’s inaugural Ambassador for First Nations People.

Mr Mohamed will lead the Office of First Nations Engagement in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Together they will work in genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to progress Indigenous rights globally, and help grow First Nations trade and investment.

More Information

In August 2019, the Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS) Grant Guidelines were updated to reflect the transfer to the National Indigenous Australians Agency.

In the 2021-22 Budget, the Australian Government allocated $5.7 billion to the IAS, over four years to 2024-25, for grant funding processes and administered procurement activities that address the objectives of the IAS.

To find out more about the Indigenous Advancement Strategy, visit the National Indigenous Australians Agency website.

Details of specific funding opportunities are published on the Australian Government GrantConnect website

You can also talk to your local National Indigenous Australians Agency contact on 1800 079 098.