Our First Nations Self-Determination Framework

Our First Nations Self-Determination Framework is the first flagship framework developed under our Getting to Fair: Advancing Equity strategy.

The vision of the framework is that First Nations people equitably access, deliver, engage with and benefit from the essential services we regulate and influence.

The commission is committed to being a leading regulator in this space, demonstrating the practical steps that all regulators can take to support equitable regulatory participation and outcomes for and with First Nations people. 

First Nations people and organisations directly or indirectly interact with the commission in several different contexts across our regulatory system. They are also impacted by a lot of the organisational decisions we make, not only as consumers and ratepayers, but as holders of particular Indigenous rights and interests relating to land, water and cultural protection.

Furthermore, First Nations consumers continue to experience inequitable regulatory outcomes. Whether as consumers facing barriers to accessing the essential services we regulate or as Traditional Owners or interests holders whose rights and interests are not considered in our regulatory decision making.

The purpose of this framework is to provide an approach for working across our regulatory system to enable self-determination and drive equitable First Nations outcomes. This includes working with First Nations people and organisations, Traditional Owner groups, consumer advocates and regulated businesses. It is intended to support the commission’s strategic decision-making and business planning, as well as our regulatory and administrative activities.

We will take action across three strategic priorities and six corresponding focus areas, as we work towards our vision.

In our first year, we will focus on building our internal capability and relationships with First Nations consumers and interest holders, with the aim of establishing a strong enabling environment for driving First Nations-led outcomes at the commission.