Indigenous - Useful Links

Start Up Indigenous Tourism Businesses

The best source of information and assistance for Start Up businesses is the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI).  DEEDI’s website provides comprehensive information for people considering starting a business, or in the process of commencing business.  DEEDI also has established points of contact for Start Up businesses through their 15 regional centres and appointed two tourism development officers based on the Gold Coast and in Cairns.  These resources are available to assist prospective new businesses.  Click here to view the contact details for DEEDI’s regional offices 

There are also grants available to Start Up Indigenous businesses.  Further information can be found here.

In addition, Indigenous Business Australia assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to acquire, establish and develop commercially viable businesses.  More information on the eligibility requirements is available on IBAs website.

Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (FEDERAL) 

The federal Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) is committed to the Australian Government's goal of reducing Indigenous disadvantage and to reconciliation between Indigenous and other Australians

Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (STATE) 

The Tourism Division within the state Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) assists the tourism industry to grow and develop in a responsible and sustainable manner to help stimulate business investment and job creation.  The Department also has a number of policies and initiatives to help Indigenous jobseekers get into the workforce, and gain vocational qualifications that will improve their chances of getting highly skilled work.

Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (FEDERAL)

The Tourism Division within the federal government Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (DRET) provides policy advice and programs to support a diverse and sustainable tourism industry.  The Australian Government recognises that increasing Indigenous participation in the Australian tourism industry can provide a platform for Indigenous economic development, cultural preservation and the facilitation of cross cultural understanding.

Indigenous Business Australia

Indigenous Business Australia’s (IBA) programs provide the means for Indigenous Australians to create wealth and accumulate assets, take up mainstream investment opportunities, and create business enterprises that provide additional employment opportunities.

Tourism Australia and Indigenous Business Australia in conjunction with the State and Territory Tourism Organisations, actively work with selected Indigenous Tourism ‘Champions’ to develop a suite of top quality highly marketable Indigenous tourism product.

Queensland Tourism Industry Council

Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) is the State peak body for tourism.  Under the Indigenous Employment Champions Network, QTIC have developed a range of initiatives aiming to increase tourism operator awareness of how to encourage and maintain increased participation of Indigenous Australians within mainstream tourism businesses.

Regional Tourism Organisations

The Regional Tourism Organisations (RTO) of Queensland assist in destination and product development, marketing and packaging.

Tourism Australia

Australia’s Indigenous tourism experiences are one of the seven key experiences which underpin Tourism Australia’s (TA) global marketing activities.  The Indigenous tourism web portal is set up to provide links and information for people working within the Indigenous tourism sector, particularly tourism business operators and aspiring tourism operators and their support networks.

Tourism Australia and Indigenous Business Australia in conjunction with the State and Territory Tourism Organisations, actively work with selected Indigenous Tourism ‘Champions’ to develop a suite of top quality highly marketable Indigenous tourism product.