Project number: 2024-013
Project Status:
Current
Budget expenditure: $159,295.64
Principal Investigator: Kylie Fadelli
Organisation: Aboriginal Sea Company
Project start/end date: 31 May 2024 - 25 Sep 2024
Contact:
FRDC
TAGS
Indigenous

Need

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.

Final report

Author: Bo Carne
Final Report • 2025-04-14 • 4.59 MB
2024-013-DLD.pdf

Summary

This report outlines the key findings, survey results, and contributions from the inaugural Australian Sea Country Conference highlighting the innovative discussions and forward-thinking outcomes that will shape the future of Sea Country governance in Australia. The conference, held over two days, brought together a diverse group of over 289 delegates, including First Nations leaders, advocates, policymakers, and industry professionals, alongside more than 75 influential speakers. 
 
This landmark event focused on the past, present, and future of Australia’s precious Sea Country, with the aim of fostering collaboration and co-designing effective, inclusive policies.
Throughout the conference, participants engaged in in-depth discussions and hands-on breakout sessions that acknowledged past and present policies, identified gaps, and worked towards co-designing future legislation and regulations to better protect Sea Country.
 
A key focus was addressing the inconsistencies between Native Title Rights and recognition at both State/Territory and Commonwealth levels, with the aim of finding greater alignment and consistency. Another important outcome explored at the conference was the potential creation of a First Nations peak body to represent and advocate for Sea Country interests, ensuring First Nations communities have a strong, unified voice in future policy discussions. 
Final Report • 2025-04-14 • 4.59 MB
2024-013-DLD.pdf

Summary

This report outlines the key findings, survey results, and contributions from the inaugural Australian Sea Country Conference highlighting the innovative discussions and forward-thinking outcomes that will shape the future of Sea Country governance in Australia. The conference, held over two days, brought together a diverse group of over 289 delegates, including First Nations leaders, advocates, policymakers, and industry professionals, alongside more than 75 influential speakers. 
 
This landmark event focused on the past, present, and future of Australia’s precious Sea Country, with the aim of fostering collaboration and co-designing effective, inclusive policies.
Throughout the conference, participants engaged in in-depth discussions and hands-on breakout sessions that acknowledged past and present policies, identified gaps, and worked towards co-designing future legislation and regulations to better protect Sea Country.
 
A key focus was addressing the inconsistencies between Native Title Rights and recognition at both State/Territory and Commonwealth levels, with the aim of finding greater alignment and consistency. Another important outcome explored at the conference was the potential creation of a First Nations peak body to represent and advocate for Sea Country interests, ensuring First Nations communities have a strong, unified voice in future policy discussions. 
Final Report • 2025-04-14 • 4.59 MB
2024-013-DLD.pdf

Summary

This report outlines the key findings, survey results, and contributions from the inaugural Australian Sea Country Conference highlighting the innovative discussions and forward-thinking outcomes that will shape the future of Sea Country governance in Australia. The conference, held over two days, brought together a diverse group of over 289 delegates, including First Nations leaders, advocates, policymakers, and industry professionals, alongside more than 75 influential speakers. 
 
This landmark event focused on the past, present, and future of Australia’s precious Sea Country, with the aim of fostering collaboration and co-designing effective, inclusive policies.
Throughout the conference, participants engaged in in-depth discussions and hands-on breakout sessions that acknowledged past and present policies, identified gaps, and worked towards co-designing future legislation and regulations to better protect Sea Country.
 
A key focus was addressing the inconsistencies between Native Title Rights and recognition at both State/Territory and Commonwealth levels, with the aim of finding greater alignment and consistency. Another important outcome explored at the conference was the potential creation of a First Nations peak body to represent and advocate for Sea Country interests, ensuring First Nations communities have a strong, unified voice in future policy discussions. 
Final Report • 2025-04-14 • 4.59 MB
2024-013-DLD.pdf

Summary

This report outlines the key findings, survey results, and contributions from the inaugural Australian Sea Country Conference highlighting the innovative discussions and forward-thinking outcomes that will shape the future of Sea Country governance in Australia. The conference, held over two days, brought together a diverse group of over 289 delegates, including First Nations leaders, advocates, policymakers, and industry professionals, alongside more than 75 influential speakers. 
 
This landmark event focused on the past, present, and future of Australia’s precious Sea Country, with the aim of fostering collaboration and co-designing effective, inclusive policies.
Throughout the conference, participants engaged in in-depth discussions and hands-on breakout sessions that acknowledged past and present policies, identified gaps, and worked towards co-designing future legislation and regulations to better protect Sea Country.
 
A key focus was addressing the inconsistencies between Native Title Rights and recognition at both State/Territory and Commonwealth levels, with the aim of finding greater alignment and consistency. Another important outcome explored at the conference was the potential creation of a First Nations peak body to represent and advocate for Sea Country interests, ensuring First Nations communities have a strong, unified voice in future policy discussions.