First Nations trade and tourism businesses shine in new report

The Albanese Government has today released a landmark report demonstrating the success of First Nations trade and tourism businesses on the global stage.

The first of its kind, the First Nations Businesses Succeeding Internationally Report highlights the significant contribution that First Nations exporters, importers and tourism businesses make to the community, creating jobs and driving our nation’s growth.

The First Nations Businesses Succeeding Internationally Report found that:

• First Nations trading businesses typically create more jobs, and contribute more to the national economy than non-trading First Nations businesses.
• First Nations exporters generated over $670 million in revenue in 2022-23 and typically employed over seven times more workers than other First Nations businesses.
• First Nations tourism businesses employed almost 7,000 workers, and generated nearly $1 billion in revenue in 2022-23, off the back of a rebound in international visitors.

The report shows the important opportunities for growth and highlights the benefits for First Nations businesses in going global.

More trade means more jobs, higher wages for our workers, and building more here in Australia.

The Albanese Government is committed to helping our exporters diversify and expand their overseas markets.

The First Nations Businesses Succeeding Internationally Report was developed in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and Supply Nation. You can read it here.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell

“First Nations peoples were our first traders; and we know when First Nations businesses succeed, the nation succeeds.”

“This Report shows that First Nations trading businesses create more, jobs and generate more revenue.”

“Our Government is committed to opening up new export opportunities for Australian businesses, including First Nations businesses to diversify their overseas markets.”

“We will continue to work alongside Australian First Nations businesses to support their international trade ambitions, and back them in to take on the world.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy:

“This report highlights the unique impact First Nations businesses are making globally.  They are not just providing products, they are sharing important stories, culture and traditions with the world.”

"I take great pride in the essential role First Nations businesses play in international trade by showcasing our rich culture and demonstrating our ambitious economic goals. Our businesses are at the heart of creating a brighter future for generations to come.”

“I’m excited to see the spotlight on the contribution First Nations businesses are making globally and the opportunities overseas markets can offer our people and communities.”

Quotes attributable to Supply Nation Chief Executive Officer Kate Russell:

“The release of this report is an important step in understanding both the growth and benefits of Indigenous export. It highlights how the skills, talents and resilience of our Indigenous business community are helping them to succeed internationally, but it also highlights how much work there is still to do.”

“Supply Nation is delighted to partner with DFAT and Austrade to not only produce this report but also to provide practical support to our Indigenous businesses seeking to internationalise.”

“The growth of the Indigenous business sector is a bright spot in the Australian economy. Supply Nation now has well over 5000 verified Indigenous business on our Directory and it’s natural that many of them will seek collaborative partnerships and business growth in international markets.”