Indigenous Engagement Strategy Reporting

The NAIF Mandate requires all funded projects to have a strategy that sets out objectives for First Nations participation, procurement and employment that reflects the First Nations population in the region of the proposed project.

A well-crafted Indigenous Engagement Strategy (IES) considers the project's scale, location, nature, as well as the proponent's existing operations and capacity. This ensures a seamless integration of First Nations opportunities throughout the project's planning and execution phases.

Integral to the success of the strategy is the inclusion of First Nations voices in the investment process. It should acknowledge and respect the unique perspectives of First Nations communities, demonstrating a genuine commitment to fostering collaboration and understanding.

Once a project reaches Financial Close, proponents are required to report regularly on the ongoing progress of their IES, providing detailed insights into the achievements against the agreed commitments, including the local employment and procurement frameworks. The reports comprehensively cover aspects such as participation, procurement, training, and employment outcomes and continue for the entire duration of the loan.

This reporting mechanism serves a crucial role in supplying us with the necessary data and information to assess the overall impact of our investments. This includes evaluating the economic, and social outcomes of funded projects.

Since NAIF's establishment in 2016, the projects that we have invested in have delivered the following cumulative outcomes for First Nations peoples across northern Australia:

Our dedicated Indigenous Outcomes team works in close partnership with proponents throughout the investment journey to support the development of effective strategies and strong connections to local First Nations people and groups.

Review our Indigenous Engagement Strategy Guideline for further information and practical guidance for project proponents on how to develop a robust IES, as well as in-depth details about the IES reporting requirements.