The ever-growing leadership of First Nations communities in driving Australia’s clean energy transition, including over 20 First Nations clean energy project partnerships in development, will be highlighted at the First Nations Clean Energy Symposium taking place on Kabi Kabi country from 13-15 August 2025.

Thank you so much for your interest in the First Nations Clean Energy Symposium. We're thrilled by the overwhelming response and are now SOLD OUT.

With only 50 tickets left, move fast and grab your spot for this year’s First Nations Clean Energy Symposium. 

We’re excited to announce that ticket registrations are now OPEN for the 2025 First Nations Clean Energy Symposium being held on Kabi Kabi country, Queensland on 14-15 August 2025.

It seems everyone now gets the energy transition can't happen without us.

Unlike any other industry, it's normal now to talk about First Nations participation in and benefits from the clean energy industry.

Our members of the First Nations Clean Energy Network have worked hard to make this happen.

But the journey, as we know, doesn't stop here. There's much to be done.

SPEAKERS: Karrina Nolan & Joe Morrison

Key opportunities for innovative investment in Australia’s First Nations must be recognised in the 2024 Federal Budget if the country’s energy transition is to have legs on the global stage.

The United States’ Inflation Reduction Act has garnered global attention for its significant set aside for Tribal Nations of literally $100s of billions for the clean energy transition. Canada has followed suit with similar legislation directing substantial funding to First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.

Policymakers in both countries increasingly realise that a just transition from fossil fuels requires addressing the priorities of First Nations communities, and these investments are a starting point for building sustainable, globally competitive economies that work for everyone.

So will Australia's Federal Budget have a similar commitment? Can we expect significant First Nations investment in clean energy initiatives from a household to nation-level next week?

SPEAKERS: Hon Chris Bowen MP, Simon Duggan, Kirsty Gowans, Travis Thomas, Cissy Gore-Birch (Facilitator)

There is no net-zero economy without First Nations policy change. And that change has been slowly happening since the launch of the First Nations Clean Energy Network in 2021.

First Nations are becoming integral to the energy discussion at a government and industry level - and the necessity to engage and partner is written into government and industry frameworks.

For instance, Australia's Critical Minerals Strategy promises to build "genuine partnerships" with First Nations people and host communities and “fairly share the benefits”.

In this session we bring together First Nations leaders to review how far we've come and the impact the First Nations Clean Energy Network is having.

SPEAKERS: Robynne Quiggin, Daniel Miller, Peter Yu, Vonda Malone, Travis Thomas, Cissy Gore-Birch (Facilitator)

From the domestic landscape to further afield, we see a major shift happening around the world.

Accelerated by the global clean energy transition away from polluting fossil fuels, First Nations rights and interests in tenure and land and sea management are increasingly changing the story.

The recognition of the key role that First Nations play in clean energy and economic transition efforts is evident in major policy shifts.

We must continue to stick together to reinforce and drive that change.

SPEAKERS: Melina Laboucan-Massimo, Tania Pouwhare, Paul Nalau, Daphne Kay, Karrina Nolan (Facilitator)

The ability of companies, governments, and investors to dictate terms of development on First Nations lands is changing. First Nations communities are increasingly interested in being equity owners in projects impacting their land.

Partnering on clean energy projects delivering equity shares, preferred contracting, and training and employment opportunities for Traditional Owners groups, is emerging as the new norm.

Today, there are 15 and counting First Nations partnerships with industry working on significant clean energy project developments.

So, how are First Nations groups getting these partnerships off the ground and what benefits have they negotiated?

SPEAKERS: Lawford Benning, Aunty Carol, Ned David, Jason Bilney, Sonja Dare, Cissy Gore-Borch, Chris Croker (Facilitator)

Along with transforming our energy system, Australia needs to transform our workforce.

First Nations Australians must be supported to enter the clean energy sector to access quality job opportunities and career pathways.

Yet, there currently is a lack of coordination across local, regional and federal levels to support First Nations workers access the education, apprenticeships, experiences, knowledge and support required to take advantage of the opportunities emerging in the energy transition.

So, what needs to happen?

SPEAKERS: Tegan Miller, Justin Coburn, Shaurntae Lyons, Anthea Middleton, Chris Croker, Trevor Gauld, Lara Watson (Facilitator)