An Historic Week for First Nations Economic Cooperation
Australia’s journey towards Net Zero.
Australia means business on climate. We are making change domestically, building support regionally, and championing action globally. The Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon Chris Bowen MP, and Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister, attended the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 30 November to 12 December. Australia’s Pavilion at COP28 – at the world’s biggest clean energy trade fair – connected Australian industry to international investors and new global markets. At the Pavilion attendees learnt about Australia’s green economy and net zero capabilities, as well as opportunities for trade and investment partnerships. For instance, Australia’s Green Economy Prospectus provides a snapshot of Australian expertise and capabilities that are transforming our nation. It highlights the industries where Australian exports of goods and services can help our partners succeed in achieving net zero and a green economy. More information can be found here: globalaustralia.gov.au/industries/ green-economy/prospectus. During COP28, Australia signed up to the Statement on International Public Support for the Clean Energy Transition Partnership (CETP). Australia joined at least 39 countries and institutions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Fiji, to align international investment
The Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement (IPETCA) is a ground-breaking initiative aimed at supporting the economic empowerment of Indigenous Peoples through international trade and investment.
strategies with net zero priorities. Australia is also supporting COP28 host UAE’s signature initiative to triple global renewable energy generation capacity and double global average annual energy efficiency improvements by 2030, in the knowledge that renewables are now the cleanest and cheapest form of energy. These actions reinforce our commitment to build a global net zero economy, while working to align global finance commitments with the goals of the Paris Agreement. The Australian Government has made a firm commitment to drive Australia’s transition to net zero. Australia has enshrined in law its targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 43 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030 and net zero by 2050. Australia has committed over $40 billion to transform our economy and support our ambition to become a major renewable energy exporter, particularly to our region, including: • transforming Australia’s electricity supply to run mainly on renewables • supporting the development of new, clean energy industries • supporting the decarbonisation of existing industries and transport network. On 28 November, the Government released the Net Zero in Government Operations Strategy, delivering on an election commitment to demonstrate leadership by reducing the Australian Public Service’s own emissions to net zero by 2030.
the areas of emerging business support (including finance), climate mitigation and adaptation, and renewable energy. “The San Francisco meeting was an important opportunity to connect with Indigenous business leaders from other economies,” said Ms Armstrong. “The Council provides advice to governments on areas where collective efforts will have greatest impact.” The inaugural IPETCA Partnership Council meeting was one of a series of Indigenous trade events that made for an historic week in San Francisco. Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism co-hosted with his counterparts from the United States, Canada and New Zealand a Ministerial Indigenous Trade Dialogue as part of the official APEC program. The first of its kind at ministerial level, the Dialogue included a panel of Indigenous leaders from participating economies, allowing for an authentic exchange on the
Delegations from founding-member economies New Zealand, Canada, Chinese Taipei and Australia convened for the inaugural IPETCA Partnership Council meeting in San Francisco on 13 November 2023. The Partnership Council comprises two Indigenous representatives and two government officials from each economy. The Indigenous-led governance arrangements are what makes the IPETCA unique. The arrangement supports the direct participation and self-determination of Indigenous Peoples on matters that affect their communities. Australia’s inaugural Indigenous representatives on the IPETCA Partnership Council, Chairperson of First Australians Capital Ms Leah Armstrong and Managing Director of Yimba Legal and Consulting Mr Damien Barnes, said they were pleased with the outcomes of the first meeting. The Council agreed
challenges and opportunities for Indigenous Peoples in accessing
the global trading system. Australian Ambassador for
First Nations People, Mr Justin Mohamed, said he was pleased that the concept of an Indigenous Peoples dialogue on trade was gaining traction. He spoke on the importance of getting meaningful engagement right and on the need for taking a holistic approach to improving outcomes for Indigenous People. While in San Francisco, Ambassador Mohamed also convened side meetings with United States government agencies and Native American community and business leaders to advance Indigenous trade opportunities and advocate for action on Indigenous intellectual property rights. These discussions closely followed the bilateral visit to Washington in October 2023 by Prime Minister Albanese and the announcement of a Joint Leaders Statement with US President Biden which committed to grow two-way economic opportunities for Indigenous Peoples. For more information on IPETCA, visit: niaa.gov.au/indigenous- affairs/indigenous-peoples- economic-and-trade-cooperation- arrangement-ipetca
Leah Armstrong Co-Founder, Chairperson and Board Member, First Australians Capital Ms Armstrong is Torres Strait Islander and a senior professional with over 25 years’ business and not for profit experience. Leah has led the establishment and growth of some of the premier national Indigenous economic organisations. Currently, Leah is leading First Australians Capital and innovating how Indigenous enterprises access capital and support. Leah currently serves on several Boards including a Trustee of The Nature Conservancy (Australia), Reserve Bank of Australia – Chairperson First Nations Advisory Group, Philanthropy Australia (PA) – member of the First Nations Governance Committee and Co-Chair of the First Nation Funders Network.
to prioritise Indigenous interests in
Damien Barnes Managing Director, Yimba Legal & Consulting
Mr Barnes is the founder and Managing Director of YIMBA Legal & Consulting. He is a Director of the Supply Nation Board, Chair of Westpac’s Indigenous Advisory Council, Member of Westpac’s Stakeholder Advisory Council, Chair of Nguluway Design Inc Pty Ltd, a Director of The Aboriginal Housing Office NSW and a Member of UTS’ Indigenous Industry 2 Advisory Group, in the Faculty of Design. Damien is a Bidjara man from central QLD with family connection to Woorabinda.
Above: Delegates at the IPETCA Partnership Council meeting in San Francisco. Left: Damien Barnes and Leah Armstrong at the APEC Ministerial Dialogue.
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business envoy
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
business envoy
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