Economic policies – including employment programs, business support and procurement policies – are being developed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities without their substantive participation. This report, based on input from over 200 organisations, finds that governments' reluctance to properly engage in genuine partnership has continued to drive unemployment, disadvantage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, and leave young people without clear pathways to economic security.

The key findings highlight significant shortcomings in current approaches and the need for a new path forward that centres solutions led by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs). It calls for greater community control, stronger support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, and reforms to employment programs to make them culturally safe and effective. A key message is that economic empowerment extends beyond jobs – it is about self-determination.

The report recommends the partnership between the Australian Government and the Coalition of Peaks focus on ACCO-led solutions and initiatives that implement Closing the Gap’s Priority Reforms including:

• strengthening representation through formal partnerships and shared decision-making
• expanding economic opportunities within ACCOs and supporting the development of new local economies
• reforming employment services to better support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job-seekers
• increasing support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and improving access to procurement opportunities
• enhancing access to data to create a clearer picture of economic participation and development.