Consultation Pathways For Australian Fishing And Seafood Industry Focused RD&E To Deliver Improved Economic, Environmental And Social Benefits To Australia’s Indigenous People Through The Indigenous Reference Group (IRG) And Indigenous RD&E Program Support
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$2,659,555.00
Summary
There remains a continuous need for the strategic planning and execution of targeted and efficient research, development, and extension (RD&E) initiatives that cater to the priorities of the Indigenous fishing and seafood sectors. The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) plays a crucial role in addressing these needs by offering support and resources to the Indigenous Reference Group (IRG) through various projects and a dedicated Indigenous RD&E Program. Since the establishment ....There remains a continuous need for the strategic planning and execution of targeted and efficient research, development, and extension (RD&E) initiatives that cater to the priorities of the Indigenous fishing and seafood sectors. The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) plays a crucial role in addressing these needs by offering support and resources to the Indigenous Reference Group (IRG) through various projects and a dedicated Indigenous RD&E Program. Since the establishment of the IRG, significant advancements have been made. However, challenges persist due to the limited capacity of most agencies, researchers, and stakeholders to interact with and engage effectively with the Indigenous sector, thus failing to fully leverage the available opportunities and benefits. The number of Indigenous individuals with the required expertise and interest in participating in this process is on the rise, yet it remains insufficient to meet the identified needs. Addressing this gap is a primary focus for the IRG moving forward, including the advancement of a formal capacity-building program aimed at enhancing the understanding and knowledge of research, management, governance, and agency operations. Opportunities for improvement include: 1. Increasing the number of Indigenous individuals with the expertise and motivation to engage in RD&E and related policy processes: This involves identifying and promoting educational programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities that are specifically designed to build the necessary skills and knowledge among Indigenous communities. Such initiatives should be accessible and tailored to the unique cultural and societal contexts of Indigenous people, encouraging their active participation in research, development, and extension activities. As much as possible, opportunities for collaboration with Indigenous organisations and communities in designing these programs can ensure they are relevant and effective. 2. Developing mutual capacity by boosting the understanding and abilities of non-Indigenous stakeholders: This objective focuses on generating a deeper understanding and respect among non-Indigenous stakeholders for Indigenous knowledge systems, values, and practices. Identify sectoral needs for cultural competence training programs and facilitating collaborative projects can bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives. This approach not only enriches the RD&E process but also ensures that research outcomes are more inclusive and beneficial for all parties involved. 3. Enhancing the availability of culturally relevant knowledge and data for the Indigenous fishing sector to meet the needs of Indigenous Australians, researchers, and managers: To enhance the availability of culturally relevant knowledge and data for the Indigenous fishing sector, the strategy includes collaborating with Indigenous communities to understand traditional fishing practices and ecological insights using participatory research. A digital repository will be created to store and disseminate this information, designed with user-friendly features and access controls to safeguard intellectual property. This platform will support the integration of Indigenous knowledge into sustainable practices and policy decisions, complemented by educational workshops and policy engagement initiatives. Continuous feedback from Indigenous communities and stakeholders will ensure the platform remains relevant and effective, fostering informed decision-making and sustainable use strategies that recognises Indigenous rights and contributions. 4. Moving research forward to yield actionable outcomes and advice for policymakers: This entails aligning research objectives with the practical needs and priorities of the Indigenous fishing community and policymakers. By focusing on applied research that addresses specific challenges and opportunities within the sector, the findings can directly inform and influence policy and management decisions. Effective communication and adoption strategies are essential to translate complex research findings into clear, actionable recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders. 5. Strengthening Indigenous led and codesigned projects at the jurisdictional level by improving the connection between the IRG and Regional Advisory Committees/Industry Partnership Agreements (RAC/IPA): Enhancing collaboration and communication between the IRG, RACs, and IPAs can lead to more coordinated and effective Indigenous-inclusive projects outcomes. This could involve systematic meetings, joint planning sessions, and shared platforms for project management and information exchange. By working closely together, these groups can leverage their respective strengths and resources to achieve greater all-round impacts on the ground. 6. Adjusting expectations to clarify that the IRG is not the sole source of support for all Indigenous-related issues within the industry by creating processes to broaden networks and engagement: This involves actively promoting the development of a broader ecosystem of support for Indigenous issues in the fishing and seafood sectors. The IRG can facilitate the creation of partnerships, alliances, and networks that include a diverse range of stakeholders, such as government agencies, academic institutions, non-profit organisations, and industry groups. By diversifying the sources of support and engagement, the reliance on the IRG as the sole conduit can be reduced, leading to a more robust and resilient support system for Indigenous fisheries. The IRG stands out from other programs by offering services that span several additional areas. One of its goals is to alter the current dependence as the only recognised channel for Indigenous fisheries advice.
Objectives: 1. Work with Indigenous peoples and other fisheries resource stakeholders, to facilitate the identification of Indigenous RD&E priorities annually and develop projects to address those priorities. 2. Assist FRDC with management of the Indigenous RD&E program and the portfolio of projects with significant benefit to, or impact on, the Indigenous fishing sector. 3. Develop and implement a fit for purpose communication plan to effectively communicate research results and share knowledge with Indigenous communities, organisations, groups or individuals. 4. Encourage coordination and co-investment in RD&E which benefits the Indigenous fishing community. 5. To provide advice, where appropriate, through the FRDC to researchers regarding how their projects might be improved to consider benefits for Indigenous people, cultural importance, or suggest consultation and communication protocols for working with Indigenous communities. 6. Assist FRDC to explore opportunities for Indigenous engagement, employment, skills transfer, sharing of knowledge and the increase of cultural awareness amongst all parties. Read moreRead less
The Australian Sea Country Conference is scheduled to be held at the Darwin Convention Centre on 25 - 26 September 2024.
The primary aim of the Conference is to develop strategies for enhancing First Nations involvement in matters concerning the protection and utilisation of sea country. Through a series of presentations, discussions, and collaborative sessions, our goal is to deepen the understanding of First Nations' perspectives, promote the recognition of First Nations rights in e ....The Australian Sea Country Conference is scheduled to be held at the Darwin Convention Centre on 25 - 26 September 2024.
The primary aim of the Conference is to develop strategies for enhancing First Nations involvement in matters concerning the protection and utilisation of sea country. Through a series of presentations, discussions, and collaborative sessions, our goal is to deepen the understanding of First Nations' perspectives, promote the recognition of First Nations rights in environmental contexts, and bolster the advancement of First Nations-led initiatives.
While Australia currently has national peak bodies representing the seafood industry, recreational fishers, and environmental interests in sea country, there is currently no representation for First Nations. This Conference aims to potentially lay the groundwork for establishing a First Nations Peak Body that represents interests in sea country-related matters. In doing so, it is intended that this conference provides guidance for consistency in recognition of Native Title rights between States/Territory/Federal governments.
By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, we aspire to contribute to a future where First Nations governance models, traditional knowledge, and leadership are central to shaping Australia's marine environment. Read moreRead less
Small States' use of law of the sea litigation against greater powers. This project will investigate how small States are using law of the sea dispute settlement mechanisms to gain political advantages in conflicts with greater powers, including Security Council permanent members. It is important to understand how the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea can be leveraged to defend coastal State rights in strategic disputes concerning sovereign rights, unresolved boundaries, and military affairs. ....Small States' use of law of the sea litigation against greater powers. This project will investigate how small States are using law of the sea dispute settlement mechanisms to gain political advantages in conflicts with greater powers, including Security Council permanent members. It is important to understand how the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea can be leveraged to defend coastal State rights in strategic disputes concerning sovereign rights, unresolved boundaries, and military affairs. This research will better equip lawyers and policy makers to understand how such strategic litigation strengthens or undermines the rules based order at sea. The project will assist Australia to maintain its leading role in defending that maritime order and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as its cornerstone.Read moreRead less
Better end-of-life care through an optimal, holistic regulatory framework. This project aims to enhance end-of-life care through better regulation. Current regulation does not work as intended and is complex and fragmented. This harms patients, families and health professionals, and wastes health resources across the 100,000 medical end-of-life decisions in Australia annually. Expected outcomes are: (1) the first study internationally to establish in practice how the interaction of conflicting l ....Better end-of-life care through an optimal, holistic regulatory framework. This project aims to enhance end-of-life care through better regulation. Current regulation does not work as intended and is complex and fragmented. This harms patients, families and health professionals, and wastes health resources across the 100,000 medical end-of-life decisions in Australia annually. Expected outcomes are: (1) the first study internationally to establish in practice how the interaction of conflicting law, policies, ethics and training affects the end-of-life care patients receive; and (2) a new holistic regulatory framework to enhance the quality of end-of-life care. Expected benefits are better palliative care, more patient involvement in decisions, reduced patient-doctor conflict and a more efficient health system.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE210100486
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,774.00
Summary
Navigating justice systems: how Pacific women secure their property rights. This project aims to investigate the strategies that Pacific women use to challenge gender inequality, and improve understanding of the pathways to justice in Pacific legal systems. Using an innovative socio-legal approach, the project will collect, analyse and disseminate data on the strategies used by women to advocate for stronger property rights, and develop a framework for understanding those strategies. Expected ou ....Navigating justice systems: how Pacific women secure their property rights. This project aims to investigate the strategies that Pacific women use to challenge gender inequality, and improve understanding of the pathways to justice in Pacific legal systems. Using an innovative socio-legal approach, the project will collect, analyse and disseminate data on the strategies used by women to advocate for stronger property rights, and develop a framework for understanding those strategies. Expected outcomes include an improved empirical and conceptual basis for development organisations to design and implement gender equality programs. This should provide significant benefits including enhanced understanding of women’s engagement with legal systems, and better-informed and more effective development assistance.Read moreRead less
Improving International Law Regulation of Maritime Autonomous Vessels . The use of maritime autonomous vessels (MAVs) is creating regulatory and enforcement opportunities and challenges under international law. The aim of this project is to fill a critical gap in current responses in international law in focusing on the challenges posed by MAVs to international maritime security law. MAVs are increasingly useful for states in peacetime military operations, in response to transnational crime, mar ....Improving International Law Regulation of Maritime Autonomous Vessels . The use of maritime autonomous vessels (MAVs) is creating regulatory and enforcement opportunities and challenges under international law. The aim of this project is to fill a critical gap in current responses in international law in focusing on the challenges posed by MAVs to international maritime security law. MAVs are increasingly useful for states in peacetime military operations, in response to transnational crime, maritime cybersecurity, and in promoting broader national security goals, but non-state actors may also use them for terrorist and transnational criminal activity. International law has not kept up with this technology so this project will redress that problem and propose law reform to enhance global maritime security.Read moreRead less
Reconceiving Engagement with International Law in a Populist Era. This project seeks to address the fundamental problem of how to reconceive engagement by states with the international legal order, in the face of a sustained populist backlash. It proposes to develop a new analytical framework to evaluate the origins and impact of populist concerns about international law. Expected outcomes include detailed empirical studies of the extent to which countries with populist leaders have disengaged f ....Reconceiving Engagement with International Law in a Populist Era. This project seeks to address the fundamental problem of how to reconceive engagement by states with the international legal order, in the face of a sustained populist backlash. It proposes to develop a new analytical framework to evaluate the origins and impact of populist concerns about international law. Expected outcomes include detailed empirical studies of the extent to which countries with populist leaders have disengaged from the international legal order, and evidence-based recommendations to increase committed engagement by states with that order. Anticipated benefits include expanding national research and policy capacity in reinforcing the rules and institutions that support Australia’s security and prosperity.Read moreRead less
Integrating Indigenous Fishing: Extending Adoption Pathways To Policy And Management
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$140,000.00
Summary
See Opportunities section Objectives: 1. Document the impediments and opportunities for Indigenous engagement and adoption of IRG project outputs across fisheries management jurisdictions in Australia. 2. Identify the priorities for Indigenous fishing in jurisdictions with a focus on the 5 IRG RD&E priorities. 3. Develop a report synthesizing the impediments, opportunities and priorities for Indigenous fishing engagement and adoption to guide future IRG investm .... See Opportunities section Objectives: 1. Document the impediments and opportunities for Indigenous engagement and adoption of IRG project outputs across fisheries management jurisdictions in Australia. 2. Identify the priorities for Indigenous fishing in jurisdictions with a focus on the 5 IRG RD&E priorities. 3. Develop a report synthesizing the impediments, opportunities and priorities for Indigenous fishing engagement and adoption to guide future IRG investment. 4. Develop a template for future IRG projects that will ensure engagement and adoption are maximized. 5. Professional development and capacity building of the Indigenous Principal Investigator and grow cultural awareness in wider participants. Read moreRead less