Webinar Explores Policy-Making and Engagement with Aboriginal Peoples in Australia
On October 16, the WRRC hosted a Water Webinar, titled “Meaningful Engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples on Inland Waters in Australia.” Attendees heard from two speakers from the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water: First Nations Water Branch Head Sheryl Hedges and Director for First Nations Engagement Brandon Etto. Their presentation recognized the historical and current barriers to water access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and highlighted ways the Australian government is now working to empower First Nations Peoples to access, own, and manage water. Current projects to address water reliability and elevate the cultural, social, economic, and environmental water interests of First Nations Peoples include a proposed new National Water Agreement and the $100 million Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program. Hedges and Etto both mentioned “the pace of trust” — the idea that the speed of progress or decisions in relationships and partnerships should be guided by the level of trust established between the parties involved, requiring time, patience, communication, and respect. A national agreement on “Closing the Gap” has shifted the approach to water issues, acknowledging that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples “must determine, drive and own the desired outcomes, alongside all governments” in order to achieve these goals. This embodies the principle of “nothing about us without us.” Implementation of these plans will require ongoing meaningful engagement and the development of lasting relationships.