First Nations Clean Energy Network
First Nations people's rights and interests are vital to the success of Australia’s energy future. A rapid transition to clean energy is underway.
Many First Nations communities live in regions rich in renewable energy resources. There is a clear opportunity to empower Indigenous employment and training outcomes to benefit wider society and the economy.
First Nations communities are among the most disadvantaged in Australia. A snapshot of the current state of Indigenous economic participation is sobering:
- The gap in employment rates for First Nations Australians has not narrowed for three decades
- First Nations students have lower study and apprenticeship completion rates and attain lower-skilled qualifications than non-First Nations students
- Persistent and deep structural sources of disadvantage beyond the labour market affect First Nations employment outcomes. These include barriers to health access, secure housing, and access to transport.
The clean energy transition presents a major opportunity to design a more inclusive economic system that recognises First Nations communities' vital contribution and potential. Over millennia, their environmental stewardship and sustainable management of natural resources have strengthened environmental systems for the benefit of all.
SGS Economics and Planning was part of a research consortium for the First Nations Clean Energy Network tasked with examining key employment pathways in the clean energy sector, how the sector could meet the expectations of First Nations people, barriers and opportunities for improving First Nations participation, and policies and programs. The University of Technology’s Institute for Sustainable Futures led the consortium, including Alinga Energy and Indigenous Energy Australia.
Through economic modelling, analysis, interviews, and workshops, the consortium developed 12 recommendations. These recommendations encourage collaboration between industry, government, employment and training specialists to raise First Nations employment and training in the clean energy sector. The recommendations span supply-side and demand-side measures and actions for cross-sectoral coordination and capacity building.
Read more about the project on the First Nations Clean Energy Network website here.
