Policy and Research

Policy Development

IBA recognises that sustainable improvements for Indigenous people will take time and will require a cooperative effort from Indigenous Australians, governments, business and the wider community.

IBA Partnerships provides input to and develops sound policies that focus on sustainable outcomes in business development and wealth creation for Indigenous people under the Australian Government's Indigenous Economic Development Strategy.

This strategy encourages a collaborative approach involving mainstream and Indigenous specific services offered though the corporate, community and philanthropic sectors.  Working closely with each of IBA's operational areas, IBA Partnerships is experienced and well placed to identify collaborative partnerships.

IBA Partnerships provide a policy coordination role within IBA as well as with other agencies.  Policy activities may involve the development of initial ideas through to the early stages of implementation.

For example, the policy and programme development of the Home Ownership on Indigenous Land (HOIL) initiative and its early implementation was managed by Partnerships until it was ready to be transferred to IBA Homes in 2007 for ongoing operational delivery.

Research

IBA Partnerships commissions, participates in and supports research relating to increasing Indigenous economic participation.  It draws on IBA's solid programme performance data and the latest Indigenous economic development research findings to ensure its research is targeted and practical.

Well targeted research seeks to inform better practice in relation to IBA's existing programme areas as well as provide new ideas that can assist Indigenous people to engage with the wider economy.

IBA Partnerships actively provides its expertise to government and industry partners so that they have the best possible information to assist them achieve their objectives to increase Indigenous economic independence.

For example, IBA provide information on Indigenous home ownership and participation in business for the Council of Australian Government's Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage Report 2007 and is actively working with banks and financial institutions to develope new ways of supporting Indigenous economic development.

IBA Partnerships is currently drafting a research strategy that complements IBA's role as a leader in promoting Indigenous economic development.

Strategic Projects and Coordination

 

IBA Partnerships is actively involved in project development and coordination, which builds upon the work done in research and policy development.

 

Projects include developmental activities for existing programs, such as the Home Ownership on Indigenous Land (HOIL)program, or separate, self-contained activities such as IBA coordination of whole-of-government programs, one-off projects, and contributions to larger projects being coordinated by another Government agency.

 

Work that IBA Partnerships has contributed to recently include the Northern Territory National Emergency Response and the Cape York Welfare Reform Trials.