The National Indigenous Employment and Training Alliance (The Alliance) is calling for employment services reform which strengthens First Nations-led organisations and creates long-term employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The call comes ahead of The Alliance Conference 2026, which will bring together Indigenous employment leaders, government representatives, employers and service providers in Magandjin (Brisbane) on November 11.

With Australia's labour market expected to soften in the coming years, The Alliance wants reforms to recognise the role of Indigenous-led organisations in delivering employment services within their communities.

Now in its second year, the national conference will focus on recruitment, staff retention, career progression and partnerships between government, industry and First Nations organisations.

Wonnarua and Wiradjuri woman and The Alliance CEO, Kylie Penehoe, believes reform provides an opportunity to improve employment outcomes while strengthening Indigenous-led service delivery.

"Employment services reform is an opportunity to do things differently, but we need to be clear about what we are trying to achieve and who is best placed to deliver it," Ms Penehoe said.

"Strengthening mainstream services is important, but it cannot come at the expense of First Nations-led delivery. We need both, with genuine opportunities for Indigenous organisations to deliver employment services in their own communities.

"First Nations organisations bring cultural knowledge, trusted relationships and local understanding that are essential to supporting people into meaningful and sustained employment. That expertise must be reflected in how the future system is designed and delivered."

The conference will examine the future role of Indigenous-led employment providers and the policy changes needed to improve employment pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers.

Discussions will also focus on the responsibilities of employers in creating culturally safe workplaces and supporting First Nations employees to remain in work and progress in their careers.

Ms Penehoe believes improving employment outcomes requires cooperation between governments, employment services and employers.

"Getting someone into a job is only part of the picture. Employers also have a responsibility to create culturally safe workplaces where First Nations people can build careers and progress," she said.

"We know the challenges. What matters now is how we work together to address them.

"This conference is about connecting the people who shape policy, deliver services and create employment opportunities, so we can turn good intentions into practical action and lasting outcomes for First Nations people."

The event will feature government representatives, First Nations leaders, employment service providers and employers discussing ways to improve recruitment, retention and career development.

Organisers hope the conference will encourage partnerships between Indigenous-led organisations, government and industry while supporting practical changes to employment services.

Founded in 2023, The Alliance is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation and national peak body representing the Indigenous employment and training sector.

It works with member organisations across urban, regional and remote Australia to advocate for policies and services that improve outcomes for First Nations job seekers and learners.

The Alliance Conference 2026, Pathways to Impact: Driving First Nations Employment Outcomes, will take place at Sofitel Brisbane Central on Wednesday, November 11.

The event is supported by Queensland University of Technology, Wilson Security, Reconciliation Queensland and National Indigenous Times.