First Nations communities to have their say on the energy transformation

Dept of Climate Change, Energy, Environment & Water

The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy

The Hon Linda Burney MP, Minister for Indigenous Affairs


The Albanese Government is today releasing a consultation paper to inform the development of Australia’s First Nations Clean Energy Strategy.

This paper builds on a series six roundtables held with First Nations communities over past eight months as well as input from the First Nations Clean Energy and Emissions Reduction Advisory Committee.

The Strategy, developed in conjunction with Indigenous Australians, is formulated to drive investment, cooperation and lasting benefits for Indigenous communities across the country.

Remote Indigenous communities are among the most energy insecure in the world.

Through the first stage of engagement, the following priorities were highlighted:

  • making sure First Nations Australians have access to reliable and affordable energy, wherever they live across the country,
  • prioritising access to skills and workforce development to foster meaningful economic participation and First Nations’ business opportunities,
  • providing practical support so First Nations people can be equal partners in the transformation

The strategy will target fairer access to cleaner, cheaper energy for Indigenous households – along with reduced diesel usage, cheaper finance and more skilled employment in remote areas.

Responses to the consultation paper can be made through the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s Consultation Hub: https://consult.dcceew.gov.au/first-nations-clean-energy-strategy-consu…

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