Our vision
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are heard, recognised and empowered.
Our purpose
To ensure the needs and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are met through government policies, programs, and services.
Our role
The NIAA is an Executive Agency as defined by section 65 of the Public Service Act 1999. It is a non-corporate Commonwealth entity as defined by the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act). The NIAA commenced operation on 1 July 2019.
The NIAA implements the Australian Government’s policies and programs to enable the self-determination and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities by ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are heard, recognised and empowered. The NIAA influences policy across the Australian Government, and state and territory jurisdictions, to ensure policies, programs and services are developed and delivered effectively to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Our values
The Australian Public Service (APS) values set the standard for ethical behaviour across the public service. In addition, our work is underpinned by our shared values:
- We respect multiple perspectives.
- We are authentic.
- We are professional and act with integrity.
- We invest in each other’s success.
- We deliver with purpose.
We continue to embed our values through our behaviour and actions, at all levels. The NIAA has a unique Employee Value Proposition that generates passion and drive; we value our people – they’re at the heart of everything we do.
Enablers
The NIAA has a range of key enablers in place to ensure we effectively deliver our purpose. These include work and initiatives in:
- Partnerships and cooperation across governments.
- Having a strong regional presence.
- Prioritising integrity.
- Working towards reconciliation.
- Our transformation journey.
- Enhancing workforce capability.
- ICT Capability.
- Infrastructure capability.
- Focusing on governance.
Our approach
We work with a diverse range of stakeholders to deliver on our vision and purpose.
We partner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and leaders, organisations and peak bodies to develop, implement and evaluate policies and programs. We coordinate and influence across the Commonwealth and with state and territory governments to ensure policies and programs are aligned with community aspirations.
Our operating environment
We operate in a complex, uncertain and constantly evolving landscape. These challenges bring opportunities for growth and improvement. By understanding our environment, we can adopt a more strategic approach and continuously enhance our capabilities to deliver on our purpose. Our operating environment is influenced by factors that impact our ability to deliver on our purpose. Many of these factors are out of our control, including:
- Geographical spread, population demographics and the remoteness of communities.
- Climate change and increasing natural disasters, impacting on our urban, regional and remote communities, and disaster response practices.
- The APS reform agenda to build an integrity culture, work in genuine partnership with community, become a model employer and build the capability of staff.
- Workforce trends and attracting staff with the right skills working in the right place.
- An evolving technology landscape, which provides opportunities to better connect with our staff and communities.
Key activities
1. We lead and coordinate Closing the Gap, fulfil our commitments under the National Agreement, and influence governments to deliver policies, programs and services.
The NIAA demonstrates leadership through influence by driving collaborative action across governments to achieve systemic change, deliver on our commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, and coordinate across all parties to ensure accountability in meeting their obligations.
Through strategic coordination and shared accountability mechanisms, we work with the Commonwealth, state and territory governments, and the Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peak Bodies (Coalition of Peaks) to design and deliver policies, programs, and services in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, reflecting priorities identified by communities. By fulfilling our commitments, supporting governance forums, facilitating transparent reporting, and enabling culturally informed decision-making, the NIAA strengthens whole-of-government alignment and accountability to achieve the socio-economic outcomes of Closing the Gap. In doing so, we also contribute to reconciliation by supporting approaches that recognise histories, build trust, and foster respectful relationships across governments and communities.
2. We work in partnership to support the self-determination and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The NIAA works in partnership with communities and governments to shape policy, programs, and investment decisions. Through formal agreements and collaborative engagement, we support self determination and strengthen mutual accountability of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in line with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Partnership approaches are embedded across NIAA’s programs and strategies, with sustained collaboration essential to the design and delivery of policies, programs, and services that respond to identified priorities. By enabling shared decision making, aligning investments to community priorities, and fostering culturally informed approaches, NIAA strengthens delivery and accountability to achieve the socio-economic outcomes of Closing the Gap.
3. We deliver targeted investment and programs through the Indigenous Advancement Strategy and partnership agreements.
The NIAA delivers targeted investment and programs through the Indigenous Advancement Strategy and partnership agreements to support the socio-economic outcomes of Closing the Gap. Investments are focused on initiatives that align with community priorities, Priority Reforms, and national commitments, ensuring flexibility to respond to emerging needs and opportunities over time.
Through strong program design and administration, and partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and governments, we deliver policies, programs, and services that are strategically aligned, culturally informed, and outcome-focused, driving sustainable social, economic, and cultural benefits that directly contribute to achieving the socio-economic outcomes of Closing the Gap.
Summary of Performance Measures
1.1 Leadership and Coordination of Closing the Gap and delivery of commitments under the National Agreement.
1.2 Economic Empowerment
1.3 Food Security
2.1 Work in partnership across regions
2.2 Housing
2.3 NT Remote Aboriginal investment
3.1 Employment (The Remote Jobs and Economic Development program)
3.2 Employment (The Remote Australia Employment Service)
3.3 Indigenous Rangers Program
3.4 Indigenous Advancement Strategy Service Requirements