Accelerating improvements to educational outcomes of First Nations learners is a key priority of the Australian Government. That’s why we’re developing a First Nations Education Policy.
Consultation on the draft content for the First Nations Education Policy is now open!
Across July and August 2026, engagement is being undertaken to provide further opportunity to contribute to the development of the First Nations Education Policy. The National Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation (NATSIEC) and the Australian Department of Education are working in partnership to ensure the voices, perspectives and aspirations of First Nations communities are heard, understood and reflected in the Policy.
The Australian Government Department of Education invites First Nations Peoples and those with a genuine interest in positively impacting the educational experience and outcomes of First Nations learners to provide feedback on the draft content for the First Nations Education Policy. The survey will be live from 5 August to 26 August 2026.
The department and NATSIEC have worked in partnership to co-draft the First Nations Education Policy, informed by First Nations Partners’ engagement with communities in Term 1, 2026, and the department led public submission process, which closed in February 2026.
The First Nations Education Policy Consultation Document brings together themes which have emerged through consultations to date, shaping the proposed core priorities of the Policy. Your responses to the targeted survey questions will help refine and strengthen the content and ensure the Policy provides a clear national framework for action in First Nations education.
View the First Nations Education Policy Consultation Document
What is the First Nations Education Policy?
The Policy aims to define the national aspirations and priorities for First Nations education and accelerate improvements to the outcomes and experiences of First Nations learners across Australia.
This begins in early childhood education and schooling and continues through to chosen pathways after school, such as vocational education and training, higher education, or employment.
How is the First Nations Education Policy being developed?
The Policy is being developed in partnership with First Nations peak organisations (First Nations partners), including:
- The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation (NATSIEC)
- SNAICC – National Voice of our Children (SNAICC)
- The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Principals Association (NATSIPA)
- The National Indigenous Youth Education Coalition (NIYEC), and
- The National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Higher Education Consortium (NATSIHEC)
First Nations partners engaged directly with First Nations stakeholders and community across the country, in Term 1 of 2026. A particular emphasis is placed on the contributions and perspectives of First Nations stakeholders as the policy continues to develop.
State and territory governments, the non-government education sector, education providers, education unions and professional associations have also contributed.
A core principle in developing the Policy is recognising First Nations self-determination and the autonomy of their peoples and communities. The department and our First Nations partners aim to ensure the voices and perspectives of First Nations communities are heard, understood, and built into the Policy. We acknowledge the significance of First Nations informed actions to enhance educational experiences and outcomes.
The First Nations Education Policy will aim to:
- define the national aspirations for First Nations education by defining shared priorities and establishing how change will be enacted and evaluated
- translate national commitments - such as the Mparntwe Education Declaration, Better and Fairer Schools Agreements 2025–2034 (BFSA), the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Early Childhood Strategy, the Universities Accord, and the National Agreement on Closing the Gap - into tangible action, and-
- be adaptable to different contexts, recognising the roles of states, territories, and local communities.
There will continue to be a strong focus on collaboration and engagement throughout the Policy’s development to better understand the perspectives and aspirations of First Nations learners and communities in regional, remote, and metropolitan areas.
For more information on the First Nations Education Policy please contact - FirstNationsEducationPolicy@education.gov.au.
