NSW Treasury empowering First Nations people

Treasury is committed to empowering First Nations people and transforming our ways of working

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Established in 1824, NSW Treasury is the oldest government agency in Australia and recognises its role in the historical systems and policies that have shaped the experiences of First Nations people in New South Wales. While we are still early in our journey to true reconciliation, we are now focused on building genuine, respectful partnerships and contributing to a more equitable future for First Nations people in New South Wales.

As the State’s principal fiscal and economic advisor, NSW Treasury is responsible for managing public finances effectively to deliver social and economic benefits to all people across New South Wales. Through management of the state budget, NSW Treasury has a critical role to play in ensuring investment for First Nations people and communities is evidence-based and efficiently delivers improved outcomes.

Our approach is grounded in the belief that NSW Treasury’s role is to empower First Nations people, share power, and support community-led decisions. The Closing the Gap (CTG) principles remain a key focus - our work is about enabling real, positive change that honours the rights, aspirations, and leadership of First Nations communities. Our efforts are about transformation at all levels, working together with First Nations people in a way that respects their agency and drives self-determination.

NSW Treasury is committed to continual reflection and transformation in our operations, policies, and relationships. This is not simply about meeting requirements but about building an organisation that is inclusive, transparent, and actively working towards reconciliation. 

2:13

Acknowledgement of Country

A Treasury-led Acknowledgement of Country.

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Video transcript

Acknowledgement of Country

0:07
In the vast and diverse landscape of Australia, more than 250 unique Indigenous nations exist, each with its own distinct languages, customs, laws and song lines.


0:18
These nations are united by profound respect, a principle that binds people to their kin, their law and most importantly, to the land, borders and sky.


0:31
For millennia, First Nations people have been the original and enduring custodians of this land.


0:36
At NSW Treasury, we pay respect to all First Nations peoples of NSW.


0:42
We express profound thanks for their stewardship, honouring the deep connection First Nations people maintain with their ancestral home.


0:50
After 200 years, NSW Treasury stands at a crossroads and history.


0:55
We look back with deep sorrow and heavy hearts.


0:58
We solemnly acknowledge the deep wounds inflicted on First Nations peoples of NSW and embrace our moral obligation to learn, to listen and to heal.


1:10
We pay tribute to the enduring strength and resilience of the Stolen Generations and their families whose stories are inscribed upon this land and forever echo in our hearts.


1:20
With each step forward, we continue our dedication to closing the gap and to nurturing true reconciliation.


1:27
This path beckons us to elevate self determination, embrace the power of truth telling and treaty, a future shaped by hope.


1:35
We are all entrusted with a shared duty to nurture our most sacred assets, the land, the water, the sky and all who dwell within.


1:44
As we strive to build a future where all can thrive, we must always remember this land always was, always will be Aboriginal land.


1:53
So let us walk together in harmony with the ancient rhythms of creation, guided by the whispers of our ancestors and the enduring spirit of the lands, our home, our Mother.

Building First Nations evidence frameworks

First Nations partnership assessment policy

TPG24-26 First Nations Partnership Assessment Policy provides directions to NSW General Government Sector (GGS) agencies on when and how to complete First Nations partnership assessments for new measures.

First Nations Investment Framework

The First Nations Investment Framework supports good practice in working with First Nations communities. It sets out five steps to guide the design appraisal and evaluation of initiatives. Through respectful partnerships, government policies, programs, projects and services can reflect community priorities and improve outcomes.

Research and consultation papers

Explore First Nations research and consultation papers:

NSW Treasury's First Nations publications

Sharing data with First Nations communities

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Indigenous Australian illustration of gum leaves

NSW Indigenous Expenditure Report

The 2023-24 NSW Indigenous Expenditure Report seeks to improve outcomes for First Nations people and communities through increasing the quality and quantity of information available to inform government investment.

NSW Data Connector Service

The NSW Data Connector Service is part of a joint program between the NSW Government and the NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations (NSW CAPO). It was established in 2023 to meet commitments under Closing the Gap Priority Reform 4 and is guided by First Nations data sovereignty and governance principles.

The service provides a single point of contact for First Nations communities and organisations to request access to government-held data. Data Connectors help improve how data is shared and used, supporting self-determined priorities and partnerships with government.

To get in touch, email fnew@treasury.nsw.gov.au and you will be connected with the Treasury Data Connector to respond to your data or information request.  

Supporting First Nations businesses and economic participation

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Young woman smiling at camera holding a notebook

Aboriginal Procurement Policy

The current Aboriginal Procurement Policy (APP) started on 1 January 2021 and aims to:

  • support job opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
  • support growth in the capability and capacity of Aboriginal businesses by increasing  Government procurement from Aboriginal businesses. 

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Two people leaning against a kitchen counter that has chopped fruit

First Nations Business Sector Report

This research paper provides the first NSW-specific analysis of the First Nations business sector. It sets a baseline to track growth and highlights the sector's size, diversity and potential. It helps government and stakeholders understand how to support First Nations businesses effectively.

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Five women sitting at a table smiling and laughing

First Nations Women's Economic Participation Review

This review explores how First Nations women participate in the NSW economy. It identifies five policy areas that can support women's economic potential. The review includes insights from community consultations and helps guide future programs and funding to improve outcomes for First Nations women.

Embedding First Nations-informed ways of working

NSW Treasury First Nations Advisory Council

The Treasury First Nations Advisory Council (FNAC) was established in 2021 to ensure First Nations voices and perspectives are reflected in Treasury core business, and First Nations dedicated programs and projects.

Reconciliation Action Plan

Treasury's vision for reconciliation is an Australia that embraces unity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider Australian community, and a national culture that accepts our shared history and embodies equality and equity.  

First Nations-focused teams

These teams include the Aboriginal Procurement Policy Team, First Nations Economic Wellbeing Branch, First Nations Expenditure and Outcomes Branch and Reconciliation Team.

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