Wanthiwa – Hello in Yindjibarndi
I am proud to present the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) Corporate Plan for 2025–2029, outlining our strategic direction for the next 4 years.
The NIAA operates in 37 locations and 14 communities across Australia, enabling us to respond effectively and meaningfully based on place and need. I am privileged to work alongside highly skilled and committed staff. I witness their determination to create lasting outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples every day.
We are focused on implementing the National Agreement on Closing the Gap; strengthening partnerships; and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through employment, housing, education, health, justice and food security initiatives.
For the first time, there has been an Independent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led review of Closing the Gap, providing an analysis of progress towards the Priority Reforms, targets, indicators and trajectories. We welcome the findings, and remain firmly committed to implementing these reforms in our own work.
Employment, economic development and housing are central building blocks to progressing better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The NIAA is working in partnership with the Northern Territory (NT) Government, NT Land Councils and Aboriginal Housing NT to deliver up to 2700 houses and a new repairs and maintenance program as part of the joint 10-year NT Remote Housing Agreement.
We continue to deliver remote employment programs and services through replacing the Community Development Program (CDP).
The first stage of replacing CDP is the new Remote Jobs and Economic Development program (RJED). RJED will fund 3000 new jobs, which are expected to come online over 3 years. This will see job seekers moving into employment that communities need, with good pay and conditions. To date, the NIAA has approved funding for 1,450 jobs through the first 2 RJED grant rounds, with contract agreements underway with successful applicants. The second stage will see the commencement of the Remote Australia Employment Service (RAES) which will better support job seekers in remote Australia to upskill, find pathways to work and contribute to their community.
The National Food Security Strategy (Strategy) for remote communities is another key area for the NIAA and is the first coordinated, national approach to tackling food security. The Strategy was developed in partnership with peak Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled health organisations and Western Australia, NT, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland governments. The NIAA will maintain a leadership role and work closely with the community-controlled sector to address Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experiences of food insecurity.
Notably, the NIAA is also well on its way to expanding the Indigenous Rangers Program, with 111 ranger projects funded through grant round one, all with the targeted employment of women rangers. Over 2000 Indigenous Rangers are currently employed, and the percentage of women rangers by the end of 2024–25 increased from 33% to 42% as a result of implementing grant round one.
Tackling the drivers of crime is another focus area, with the NIAA collaborating with our colleagues at the Commonwealth level, and state and territory governments, to deliver programs focused on housing, employment, education, family, domestic and sexual violence, and health and well-being.
This work includes the delivery of targeted early intervention and prevention initiatives to provide intensive case management for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults and young people at risk of contact with the justice system. Alongside this are programs that work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are in contact with these systems to support re-integration into communities and reduce recidivism.
The NIAA is leading reform across the Commonwealth to address the endemic issue of missing and murdered Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children, by influencing delivery of all government commitments on gender-based violence.
To support this, critical services will continue for remote communities, including education, women’s safety, policing and alcohol harm reduction through the NT Remote Aboriginal Investment Partnership Agreement, signed by the Commonwealth, the NT Government and the Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory.
NIAA will continue delivering on the extension of the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme, leading the implementation of the Commonwealth’s plan for A Better, Safer Future for Central Australia with the extension of the Central Australia Plan Taskforce, and alleviating financial hardship through the Youpla Support Program.
Finally, in finishing up as CEO of the NIAA, I am immensely proud of what the NIAA has achieved. I am confident the NIAA will continue to deliver meaningful change over the 2025–29 Corporate Plan period guided by our Vision that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are heard, recognised and empowered.
Jody Broun,
Chief Executive Officer
National Indigenous Australians Agency
Statement of Preparation
As the Accountable Authority of the National Indigenous Australians Agency, I am pleased to present the NIAA Corporate Plan 2025–29. It covers the period 2025–29, as required under paragraph 35(1)(b) of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.
Jody Broun
Chief Executive Officer