From 1 November 2024, NSW general government sector agencies will be required to provide First Nations impact assessments for new measures that meet the mandatory eligibility criteria.
First Nations impact assessments will be used to support more effective decision making and resource allocation by better aligning new measures with the needs, priorities and aspirations of First Nations people and communities.
First Nations impact assessments:
- Explicitly consider the direct and indirect impacts of new policy measures on First Nations stakeholders.
- Ensure alignment of new policy measures with First Nations-led strategies and priorities, such as the Closing the Gap Priority Reforms and the NSW OCHRE (Opportunity, Choice, Healing, Responsibility, Empowerment) Strategy.
- Embed meaningful engagement and partnership-based approaches, where issues, opportunities, options and priorities are identified with First Nations stakeholders.
- Integrate culturally appropriate evidence into policy design, business cases, cost benefit analyses and evaluations to inform decision making.
- Embed consideration of culturally appropriate service delivery options through Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and other First Nations-led service providers.
Introduction of First Nations impact assessments forms part of the NSW Government’s Closing the Gap commitments. It works towards embedding the principles of partnership, shared decision making, inclusiveness and self-determination into NSW government policy design and decision-making processes.
TPG24-26 First Nations Impact Assessment Policy and Form
TPG24-26 First Nations Impact Assessment Policy provides directions to NSW General Government Sector (GGS) agencies on when and how to complete First Nations impact assessments for new measures.
Read TPG24-26 First Nations Impact Assessment Policy.
Download the First Nations Impact Assessment Template.
