This paper argues that applying the principles of a market economy and democracy — successful elsewhere in Australia — can bring prosperity to Indigenous communities. It proposes fundamental changes to Indigenous policy, including land rights reform, to foster economic inclusion and accountability.

This paper examines the persistent challenges in addressing disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, despite substantial investment in Aboriginal affairs and initiatives like the Closing the Gap agreements. The paper underscores the need for genuine evaluation and accountability in Indigenous policy, suggesting that current approaches may hinder meaningful progress.

The disadvantage of remote Indigenous communities is well understood. However, governments are yet to develop an effective solution for resolving this situation. Utilising the latest ABS Census data and other key datasets, this paper quantitatively demonstrates that it is possible for remote communities to be participants in real economies.

This paper calls for an overhaul of the current approach to Indigenous economic participation through business creation. It outlines a practical model for remote Indigenous communities that harnesses the fundamental principle of supply and demand, and what the authors identify as the three foundations of business creation — capability, entrepreneurship and business support.

Indigenous policy needs to get back to these fundamentals, with a focus on school attendance, jobs and creating the environment for Indigenous business creation — especially in remote and regional Indigenous communities, argues Warren Mundine in this analysis report.