RIAA's First Nations Peoples' Rights Working Group is an initiative to support members in their stewardship responsibilities respecting First Nations peoples' rights in their business operations and their portfolio of companies.
The First Nations Peoples' Rights Working Group has a three-fold purpose: address and advance the rights of First Nations peoples; elevate First Nations peoples' participation and voices in the investment sector; and increase access, scale and impact of First Nations peoples' related investment activity.
We invite you to an exciting opportunity to learn about the First Nations Certificate of Origin (FNCO)—a groundbreaking proposal designed to unlock investment and accelerate Indigenous-led renewable energy projects across Australia.
Presented by leaders from the NSW Aboriginal Land Council—Clare McHugh (CEO), Daniel Byers (General Counsel), and Evan Leslie (Advisor)—this session will explore how FNCOs can drive both environmental and social impact. Modelled on the Large-Scale Generation Certificate (LGC), FNCOs represent 1 MWh of electricity generated by First Nations-owned renewable projects and offer buyers a way to meet ESG and Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP) goals while supporting cultural stewardship and economic empowerment.
This is a timely opportunity to address a critical investment gap. While large-scale grid-connected projects enjoy strong returns, remote and community-led projects face higher costs and lower investor incentives. FNCOs are designed to bridge this gap—providing a market-based mechanism to uplift revenue and attract capital to projects that matter most to First Nations communities.
Join us to explore how FNCOs can become a powerful tool for reconciliation, sustainable development, and inclusive growth in Australia’s energy transition.
This meetings special presentation will be followed by regular industry updates and a motion to approve the workplan for 2026 for to guide the work of the working group.
To ensure you do not miss any communications in the lead up to the working group, please register below.
How to log into Zoom from Glue Up/registration link.
CEO
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NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC)
Clare McHugh, Chief Executive Officer, is a Gamilaroi and Dhungutti woman with strong ties to Redfern, La Perouse, and the Central Coast communities who, in April 2025, became the first female Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC). Previously, she served as the founding Executive Director of the Aboriginal Languages Trust, where she played a central role in shaping its foundational strategy and operations. Clare brings to her new role extensive senior leadership experience, and a steadfast commitment to advancing Aboriginal land rights, cultural and economic empowerment, and community-led outcomes. Under her leadership, NSWALC will focus on implementing its Strategic Plan 2026-2030, fostering meaningful reconciliation, and enabling transformative possibilities for Aboriginal communities across New South Wales.
Clare’s appointment marks a historic milestone for NSWALC’s 40-year legacy, as it works to build upon its advocacy, land rights stewardship, and influence in policymaking.
General Counsel
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NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC)
Daniel Byers, General Counsel, is a senior executive and legal professional with deep expertise in Indigenous land rights, native title, and Aboriginal land agreements. He currently serves as General Counsel at the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, where he provides strategic legal advice and leads negotiations that uphold the rights of Aboriginal communities while enabling transformational partnerships with government and industry.
Daniel brings over a decade of senior public sector and legal experience, including roles as Director of Native Title and Acting Executive Director within the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, where he managed complex land negotiations and policy development. Earlier in his career, he built a strong foundation in native title law at the NSW Crown Solicitor’s Office.
Admitted to practice in 2012, Daniel holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Wollongong. He is widely recognised for his ability to deliver outcomes through collaborative engagement and strategic partnerships.
Advisor
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Evan Leslie, Advisor, is a seasoned property and finance specialist with more than 25 years’ experience spanning private equity, real estate development, capital raising, investor relations, and corporate strategy. He previously served as Global Head of Product Strategy & Investor Relations for BlackRock’s Private Equity Real Estate division, where he led global capital raising across Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific. Evan is also a Non-Executive Director of the Aurora Education Foundation, with well-established relationships across philanthropic Australia.
Earlier in his career at Lendlease, Evan partnered with the NSW Aboriginal Land Council and Local Aboriginal Land Councils to deliver a landmark public-private partnership creating social and affordable housing for First Nations communities. Evan studied Construction Management at the University of Technology Sydney and completed the Executive Development Program at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. He is currently dedicating a year pro bono to NSWALC, supporting the execution of its strategy for renewable energy and community development in NSW.
