103,978 results

Apollo Bay Seafood Festival 2023

Project number: 2022-113
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $5,000.00
Principal Investigator: Pat Mackle
Organisation: Apollo Bay Chamber of Commerce
Project start/end date: 29 Jan 2023 - 18 Feb 2023
Contact:
FRDC

Need

• FRDC Marquee in prime position at Festival site on Harbour Day for promotion situated on the lower deck area overlooking the Harbour. Infrastructure provided includes a 3x3m marquee, trestle tables and power.
• Branding at event - highly visible to all 5,000+ patrons
• Online Festival Program Guide
• Website profile with links to website and socials
• Logo representation on all posters, flyers, program and website as a festival partner
• Reference to your brand in a paid social media campaign
• Acknowledgement from festival MCs Richard Cornish and Hilary McNevin as festival partner
• Rights to use Apollo Bay Seafood Festival logo on all promotions
• Branding exposure at the main festival entry (signage & flags - sponsor to provide) plus across numerous places around the festival site
• Education centre in-situ plus the availability of any FRDC branded products
• Poster artwork for release in Melbourne to include FRDC logo, plus social media posts
• Logo credit on pull-up banner which will be situated at the entrance to the Festival (or side of stage) plus will be in-situ at the Conversations event on the Sunday.
• FRDC will have access for future publicity purposes to a range of photos taken by our freelance professional photographer.

HOSPITALITY OPPORTUNITIES:

1. 2 x VIP invitations to launch Friday 17th & 2 invites to VIP Closing Event Sunday 19th February
2. 10 x entry passes to Harbour Day for staff and friends

Sponsorship of the Wooden Boat Festival Hobart Feb 2023

Project number: 2022-112
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $3,000.00
Principal Investigator: Julian J. Harrington
Organisation: Seafood Industry Tasmania
Project start/end date: 30 Jan 2023 - 12 Feb 2023
Contact:
FRDC

Need

FRDC will receive a prominent location within the TISC precinct to display FRDC collateral and interpretation

External review of the FRDC's Indigenous fishing and aquaculture coordination program

Project number: 2022-111
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $46,000.00
Principal Investigator: Russell J. Barnett
Organisation: Australian Venture Consultants Pty Ltd
Project start/end date: 19 Jan 2023 - 30 Mar 2023
Contact:
FRDC
TAGS
Indigenous

Need

The objective of this project is to undertake an independent review of the IRG’s operations and impacts to date in accordance with the below-described Terms of Reference and report on that review.
Terms of Reference
The specific terms of reference for this independent review are:
1. Undertake an assessment of the impact of the IRG against its current scope, and provide recommendations on how to improve adoption and impact for Indigenous fishing and aquaculture and cultural fishing RD&E; and
2. Provide recommendations on the future governance structure, function and membership of a revised IRG body to deliver RD&E priorities to the FRDC that improve opportunities for Indigenous Australians in fishing and aquaculture and cultural fishing.
For the purposes of clarity, it is understood that the scope of the review pertains only to:
▪ The IRG’s current purpose (i.e. to provide advice to the FRDC) and is not intended to consider the question of a peak body for the Australian First Nations fishing and aquaculture industry; and
▪ First Nations commercial fishing and aquaculture and is only relevant to customary fishing where there might be a natural intersection (such as the nature of fishing rights, use of Traditional Ecological Knowledge in fishing practices and management and use of cultural branding for commercial product) and it does not include First Nations participation in recreational fishing

Objectives

1. The objective of this project is to undertake an independent review of the IRG’s operations and impacts to date in accordance with the below-described Terms of Reference and report on that review.

Final report

Author: Russell Barnett
Final Report • 2023-08-09 • 577.37 KB
2022-111-DLD.pdf

Summary

Since its inception as part of the Cairns Forums, the Indigenous Reference Group (‘IRG’) to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (‘FRDC’) has served as the principal method by which the FRDC seeks to engage with Australia’s First Nations and First Peoples as it discharges its statutory responsibilities. 

Broadly, the IRG is charged with providing to the FRDC strategic- and programme-level advice on the fisheries and aquaculture research, development and extension (‘RD&E’) needs of First Nations and First Peoples across Australia. Under this core remit sit a number of complementary functions, including commissioning research, providing advice to the FRDC executive and Board on First Nations RD&E-related matters, networking, capacity building and profile raising, and other such operational and procedural matters. 

The FRDC has commissioned this Governance Review to assess the impacts and outputs of the IRG against its core remit and current scope and provide recommendations as to any changes needed to the IRG or its operations in order to improve adoption and impact of First Nations RD&E, increase opportunities for Australia’s First Peoples to participate in fishing and aquaculture, and deliver against and help shape the FRDC’s First Nations RD&E priorities. These recommendations should address governance structure, function, membership and other core aspects of the IRG. 

In the process of this Review, Australian Venture Consultants has: 
• Sought to understand the specific operational, strategic and jurisdictional context in which the FRDC and IRG operates;
• Undertaken extensive desktop and documentary review of the IRG and its deliberative processes, Project Reports relating to specific projects in which the IRG is said to have made significant contributions, and other supporting material provided by the FRDC;
• Consulted widely with FRDC executive, past and present IRG members, and other key stakeholders including industry, government, First Nations and other users of the marine estate; and
• Examined the nature, structure, resourcing, and functions of other comparable First Nations advisory and reference bodies, primarily those operating within the fisheries and aquaculture sphere, both within Australia and internationally.

Very broadly, the findings of these investigative processes may be summarised in four key observations. 
Observation 1: The IRG operates in a complex environment and is called upon to do many things. 
The IRG operates in a complex environment that can be described across three dimensions – strategic, operational and procedural – and under various lenses within those dimensions. Secondly, from an operational dimension, the IRG acts in a sphere wherein the nature of First Nations tenure and rights over Sea Country is variable among the jurisdictions, as are resource allocation and licensing frameworks. 
Finally, from a procedural perspective, while it appears that the IRG and FRDC are clear on the remit of the IRG, because the IRG is the only formalised national body operating in the First Nations fishing and aquaculture sector, there is a tendency for external stakeholders to have an expectation that the IRG has been established to address all issues associated with the First Nations fishing sector, not just R,D&E. 

Observation 2: The IRG has been highly successful in elevating awareness of First Nations fisheries and aquaculture needs and has significantly enhanced RD&E output. 
Across all stakeholders consulted but particularly amongst fisheries regulators and decision-makers, there has been a consistent message that the IRG has made a significant contribution to raising the profile and awareness of the First Nations fishing sector, its opportunities and the challenges it faces. 
 
Observation 3: The IRG faces a number of challenges which are unlikely to abate and, without resolution, will likely detract from its future performance. 
As evidenced by desktop review and validated by interviews, the IRG faces several challenges in delivering against its core remit: 
• Focusing limited resources
• Achieving industry-wide engagement 
• Driving adoption 
• Limited human capital and succession options
• Operational and administrative challenges. 

Observation 4: The IRG compares well to other advisory bodies in Australia. International perspectives are not comparable due to dramatically jurisdictional differences, but may indicate emerging best practices. 
In very broad summary, most First Nations consultation across Australia is ad-hoc, limited temporally or spatially, and limited in scope. The IRG is relatively unique in its longevity, depth, breadth and developed institutional expertise. 

Recommendations 
The report clearly identifies that the IRG has and continues to perform a key role, not only in the FRDC’s decision-making processes but for the First Nations sector more broadly. However, as the sector grows and its opportunities and challenge elevate further in the agendas of both government and industry, it is clear that the First Nations fishing industry representative framework within the FRDC and the external structures that inform that framework will also need to evolve. 
To this end, this Review makes the following recommendations: 
• Recommendation 1: First Nations fishing RD&E representation planning and resourcing summit Recommendation 2: IRG to continue for the immediate future with enhanced administrative resourcing 
• Recommendation 3: First Nations participation on FRDC Research Advisory Groups 
• Recommendation 4: Embedding First Nations perspectives in the FRDC organisational structure 
• Recommendation 5: Establishing the case for a First Nations fishing Representative Body structure 
 
Final Report • 2023-08-09 • 577.37 KB
2022-111-DLD.pdf

Summary

Since its inception as part of the Cairns Forums, the Indigenous Reference Group (‘IRG’) to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (‘FRDC’) has served as the principal method by which the FRDC seeks to engage with Australia’s First Nations and First Peoples as it discharges its statutory responsibilities. 

Broadly, the IRG is charged with providing to the FRDC strategic- and programme-level advice on the fisheries and aquaculture research, development and extension (‘RD&E’) needs of First Nations and First Peoples across Australia. Under this core remit sit a number of complementary functions, including commissioning research, providing advice to the FRDC executive and Board on First Nations RD&E-related matters, networking, capacity building and profile raising, and other such operational and procedural matters. 

The FRDC has commissioned this Governance Review to assess the impacts and outputs of the IRG against its core remit and current scope and provide recommendations as to any changes needed to the IRG or its operations in order to improve adoption and impact of First Nations RD&E, increase opportunities for Australia’s First Peoples to participate in fishing and aquaculture, and deliver against and help shape the FRDC’s First Nations RD&E priorities. These recommendations should address governance structure, function, membership and other core aspects of the IRG. 

In the process of this Review, Australian Venture Consultants has: 
• Sought to understand the specific operational, strategic and jurisdictional context in which the FRDC and IRG operates;
• Undertaken extensive desktop and documentary review of the IRG and its deliberative processes, Project Reports relating to specific projects in which the IRG is said to have made significant contributions, and other supporting material provided by the FRDC;
• Consulted widely with FRDC executive, past and present IRG members, and other key stakeholders including industry, government, First Nations and other users of the marine estate; and
• Examined the nature, structure, resourcing, and functions of other comparable First Nations advisory and reference bodies, primarily those operating within the fisheries and aquaculture sphere, both within Australia and internationally.

Very broadly, the findings of these investigative processes may be summarised in four key observations. 
Observation 1: The IRG operates in a complex environment and is called upon to do many things. 
The IRG operates in a complex environment that can be described across three dimensions – strategic, operational and procedural – and under various lenses within those dimensions. Secondly, from an operational dimension, the IRG acts in a sphere wherein the nature of First Nations tenure and rights over Sea Country is variable among the jurisdictions, as are resource allocation and licensing frameworks. 
Finally, from a procedural perspective, while it appears that the IRG and FRDC are clear on the remit of the IRG, because the IRG is the only formalised national body operating in the First Nations fishing and aquaculture sector, there is a tendency for external stakeholders to have an expectation that the IRG has been established to address all issues associated with the First Nations fishing sector, not just R,D&E. 

Observation 2: The IRG has been highly successful in elevating awareness of First Nations fisheries and aquaculture needs and has significantly enhanced RD&E output. 
Across all stakeholders consulted but particularly amongst fisheries regulators and decision-makers, there has been a consistent message that the IRG has made a significant contribution to raising the profile and awareness of the First Nations fishing sector, its opportunities and the challenges it faces. 
 
Observation 3: The IRG faces a number of challenges which are unlikely to abate and, without resolution, will likely detract from its future performance. 
As evidenced by desktop review and validated by interviews, the IRG faces several challenges in delivering against its core remit: 
• Focusing limited resources
• Achieving industry-wide engagement 
• Driving adoption 
• Limited human capital and succession options
• Operational and administrative challenges. 

Observation 4: The IRG compares well to other advisory bodies in Australia. International perspectives are not comparable due to dramatically jurisdictional differences, but may indicate emerging best practices. 
In very broad summary, most First Nations consultation across Australia is ad-hoc, limited temporally or spatially, and limited in scope. The IRG is relatively unique in its longevity, depth, breadth and developed institutional expertise. 

Recommendations 
The report clearly identifies that the IRG has and continues to perform a key role, not only in the FRDC’s decision-making processes but for the First Nations sector more broadly. However, as the sector grows and its opportunities and challenge elevate further in the agendas of both government and industry, it is clear that the First Nations fishing industry representative framework within the FRDC and the external structures that inform that framework will also need to evolve. 
To this end, this Review makes the following recommendations: 
• Recommendation 1: First Nations fishing RD&E representation planning and resourcing summit Recommendation 2: IRG to continue for the immediate future with enhanced administrative resourcing 
• Recommendation 3: First Nations participation on FRDC Research Advisory Groups 
• Recommendation 4: Embedding First Nations perspectives in the FRDC organisational structure 
• Recommendation 5: Establishing the case for a First Nations fishing Representative Body structure 
 
Final Report • 2023-08-09 • 577.37 KB
2022-111-DLD.pdf

Summary

Since its inception as part of the Cairns Forums, the Indigenous Reference Group (‘IRG’) to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (‘FRDC’) has served as the principal method by which the FRDC seeks to engage with Australia’s First Nations and First Peoples as it discharges its statutory responsibilities. 

Broadly, the IRG is charged with providing to the FRDC strategic- and programme-level advice on the fisheries and aquaculture research, development and extension (‘RD&E’) needs of First Nations and First Peoples across Australia. Under this core remit sit a number of complementary functions, including commissioning research, providing advice to the FRDC executive and Board on First Nations RD&E-related matters, networking, capacity building and profile raising, and other such operational and procedural matters. 

The FRDC has commissioned this Governance Review to assess the impacts and outputs of the IRG against its core remit and current scope and provide recommendations as to any changes needed to the IRG or its operations in order to improve adoption and impact of First Nations RD&E, increase opportunities for Australia’s First Peoples to participate in fishing and aquaculture, and deliver against and help shape the FRDC’s First Nations RD&E priorities. These recommendations should address governance structure, function, membership and other core aspects of the IRG. 

In the process of this Review, Australian Venture Consultants has: 
• Sought to understand the specific operational, strategic and jurisdictional context in which the FRDC and IRG operates;
• Undertaken extensive desktop and documentary review of the IRG and its deliberative processes, Project Reports relating to specific projects in which the IRG is said to have made significant contributions, and other supporting material provided by the FRDC;
• Consulted widely with FRDC executive, past and present IRG members, and other key stakeholders including industry, government, First Nations and other users of the marine estate; and
• Examined the nature, structure, resourcing, and functions of other comparable First Nations advisory and reference bodies, primarily those operating within the fisheries and aquaculture sphere, both within Australia and internationally.

Very broadly, the findings of these investigative processes may be summarised in four key observations. 
Observation 1: The IRG operates in a complex environment and is called upon to do many things. 
The IRG operates in a complex environment that can be described across three dimensions – strategic, operational and procedural – and under various lenses within those dimensions. Secondly, from an operational dimension, the IRG acts in a sphere wherein the nature of First Nations tenure and rights over Sea Country is variable among the jurisdictions, as are resource allocation and licensing frameworks. 
Finally, from a procedural perspective, while it appears that the IRG and FRDC are clear on the remit of the IRG, because the IRG is the only formalised national body operating in the First Nations fishing and aquaculture sector, there is a tendency for external stakeholders to have an expectation that the IRG has been established to address all issues associated with the First Nations fishing sector, not just R,D&E. 

Observation 2: The IRG has been highly successful in elevating awareness of First Nations fisheries and aquaculture needs and has significantly enhanced RD&E output. 
Across all stakeholders consulted but particularly amongst fisheries regulators and decision-makers, there has been a consistent message that the IRG has made a significant contribution to raising the profile and awareness of the First Nations fishing sector, its opportunities and the challenges it faces. 
 
Observation 3: The IRG faces a number of challenges which are unlikely to abate and, without resolution, will likely detract from its future performance. 
As evidenced by desktop review and validated by interviews, the IRG faces several challenges in delivering against its core remit: 
• Focusing limited resources
• Achieving industry-wide engagement 
• Driving adoption 
• Limited human capital and succession options
• Operational and administrative challenges. 

Observation 4: The IRG compares well to other advisory bodies in Australia. International perspectives are not comparable due to dramatically jurisdictional differences, but may indicate emerging best practices. 
In very broad summary, most First Nations consultation across Australia is ad-hoc, limited temporally or spatially, and limited in scope. The IRG is relatively unique in its longevity, depth, breadth and developed institutional expertise. 

Recommendations 
The report clearly identifies that the IRG has and continues to perform a key role, not only in the FRDC’s decision-making processes but for the First Nations sector more broadly. However, as the sector grows and its opportunities and challenge elevate further in the agendas of both government and industry, it is clear that the First Nations fishing industry representative framework within the FRDC and the external structures that inform that framework will also need to evolve. 
To this end, this Review makes the following recommendations: 
• Recommendation 1: First Nations fishing RD&E representation planning and resourcing summit Recommendation 2: IRG to continue for the immediate future with enhanced administrative resourcing 
• Recommendation 3: First Nations participation on FRDC Research Advisory Groups 
• Recommendation 4: Embedding First Nations perspectives in the FRDC organisational structure 
• Recommendation 5: Establishing the case for a First Nations fishing Representative Body structure 
 
Final Report • 2023-08-09 • 577.37 KB
2022-111-DLD.pdf

Summary

Since its inception as part of the Cairns Forums, the Indigenous Reference Group (‘IRG’) to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (‘FRDC’) has served as the principal method by which the FRDC seeks to engage with Australia’s First Nations and First Peoples as it discharges its statutory responsibilities. 

Broadly, the IRG is charged with providing to the FRDC strategic- and programme-level advice on the fisheries and aquaculture research, development and extension (‘RD&E’) needs of First Nations and First Peoples across Australia. Under this core remit sit a number of complementary functions, including commissioning research, providing advice to the FRDC executive and Board on First Nations RD&E-related matters, networking, capacity building and profile raising, and other such operational and procedural matters. 

The FRDC has commissioned this Governance Review to assess the impacts and outputs of the IRG against its core remit and current scope and provide recommendations as to any changes needed to the IRG or its operations in order to improve adoption and impact of First Nations RD&E, increase opportunities for Australia’s First Peoples to participate in fishing and aquaculture, and deliver against and help shape the FRDC’s First Nations RD&E priorities. These recommendations should address governance structure, function, membership and other core aspects of the IRG. 

In the process of this Review, Australian Venture Consultants has: 
• Sought to understand the specific operational, strategic and jurisdictional context in which the FRDC and IRG operates;
• Undertaken extensive desktop and documentary review of the IRG and its deliberative processes, Project Reports relating to specific projects in which the IRG is said to have made significant contributions, and other supporting material provided by the FRDC;
• Consulted widely with FRDC executive, past and present IRG members, and other key stakeholders including industry, government, First Nations and other users of the marine estate; and
• Examined the nature, structure, resourcing, and functions of other comparable First Nations advisory and reference bodies, primarily those operating within the fisheries and aquaculture sphere, both within Australia and internationally.

Very broadly, the findings of these investigative processes may be summarised in four key observations. 
Observation 1: The IRG operates in a complex environment and is called upon to do many things. 
The IRG operates in a complex environment that can be described across three dimensions – strategic, operational and procedural – and under various lenses within those dimensions. Secondly, from an operational dimension, the IRG acts in a sphere wherein the nature of First Nations tenure and rights over Sea Country is variable among the jurisdictions, as are resource allocation and licensing frameworks. 
Finally, from a procedural perspective, while it appears that the IRG and FRDC are clear on the remit of the IRG, because the IRG is the only formalised national body operating in the First Nations fishing and aquaculture sector, there is a tendency for external stakeholders to have an expectation that the IRG has been established to address all issues associated with the First Nations fishing sector, not just R,D&E. 

Observation 2: The IRG has been highly successful in elevating awareness of First Nations fisheries and aquaculture needs and has significantly enhanced RD&E output. 
Across all stakeholders consulted but particularly amongst fisheries regulators and decision-makers, there has been a consistent message that the IRG has made a significant contribution to raising the profile and awareness of the First Nations fishing sector, its opportunities and the challenges it faces. 
 
Observation 3: The IRG faces a number of challenges which are unlikely to abate and, without resolution, will likely detract from its future performance. 
As evidenced by desktop review and validated by interviews, the IRG faces several challenges in delivering against its core remit: 
• Focusing limited resources
• Achieving industry-wide engagement 
• Driving adoption 
• Limited human capital and succession options
• Operational and administrative challenges. 

Observation 4: The IRG compares well to other advisory bodies in Australia. International perspectives are not comparable due to dramatically jurisdictional differences, but may indicate emerging best practices. 
In very broad summary, most First Nations consultation across Australia is ad-hoc, limited temporally or spatially, and limited in scope. The IRG is relatively unique in its longevity, depth, breadth and developed institutional expertise. 

Recommendations 
The report clearly identifies that the IRG has and continues to perform a key role, not only in the FRDC’s decision-making processes but for the First Nations sector more broadly. However, as the sector grows and its opportunities and challenge elevate further in the agendas of both government and industry, it is clear that the First Nations fishing industry representative framework within the FRDC and the external structures that inform that framework will also need to evolve. 
To this end, this Review makes the following recommendations: 
• Recommendation 1: First Nations fishing RD&E representation planning and resourcing summit Recommendation 2: IRG to continue for the immediate future with enhanced administrative resourcing 
• Recommendation 3: First Nations participation on FRDC Research Advisory Groups 
• Recommendation 4: Embedding First Nations perspectives in the FRDC organisational structure 
• Recommendation 5: Establishing the case for a First Nations fishing Representative Body structure 
 
Final Report • 2023-08-09 • 577.37 KB
2022-111-DLD.pdf

Summary

Since its inception as part of the Cairns Forums, the Indigenous Reference Group (‘IRG’) to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (‘FRDC’) has served as the principal method by which the FRDC seeks to engage with Australia’s First Nations and First Peoples as it discharges its statutory responsibilities. 

Broadly, the IRG is charged with providing to the FRDC strategic- and programme-level advice on the fisheries and aquaculture research, development and extension (‘RD&E’) needs of First Nations and First Peoples across Australia. Under this core remit sit a number of complementary functions, including commissioning research, providing advice to the FRDC executive and Board on First Nations RD&E-related matters, networking, capacity building and profile raising, and other such operational and procedural matters. 

The FRDC has commissioned this Governance Review to assess the impacts and outputs of the IRG against its core remit and current scope and provide recommendations as to any changes needed to the IRG or its operations in order to improve adoption and impact of First Nations RD&E, increase opportunities for Australia’s First Peoples to participate in fishing and aquaculture, and deliver against and help shape the FRDC’s First Nations RD&E priorities. These recommendations should address governance structure, function, membership and other core aspects of the IRG. 

In the process of this Review, Australian Venture Consultants has: 
• Sought to understand the specific operational, strategic and jurisdictional context in which the FRDC and IRG operates;
• Undertaken extensive desktop and documentary review of the IRG and its deliberative processes, Project Reports relating to specific projects in which the IRG is said to have made significant contributions, and other supporting material provided by the FRDC;
• Consulted widely with FRDC executive, past and present IRG members, and other key stakeholders including industry, government, First Nations and other users of the marine estate; and
• Examined the nature, structure, resourcing, and functions of other comparable First Nations advisory and reference bodies, primarily those operating within the fisheries and aquaculture sphere, both within Australia and internationally.

Very broadly, the findings of these investigative processes may be summarised in four key observations. 
Observation 1: The IRG operates in a complex environment and is called upon to do many things. 
The IRG operates in a complex environment that can be described across three dimensions – strategic, operational and procedural – and under various lenses within those dimensions. Secondly, from an operational dimension, the IRG acts in a sphere wherein the nature of First Nations tenure and rights over Sea Country is variable among the jurisdictions, as are resource allocation and licensing frameworks. 
Finally, from a procedural perspective, while it appears that the IRG and FRDC are clear on the remit of the IRG, because the IRG is the only formalised national body operating in the First Nations fishing and aquaculture sector, there is a tendency for external stakeholders to have an expectation that the IRG has been established to address all issues associated with the First Nations fishing sector, not just R,D&E. 

Observation 2: The IRG has been highly successful in elevating awareness of First Nations fisheries and aquaculture needs and has significantly enhanced RD&E output. 
Across all stakeholders consulted but particularly amongst fisheries regulators and decision-makers, there has been a consistent message that the IRG has made a significant contribution to raising the profile and awareness of the First Nations fishing sector, its opportunities and the challenges it faces. 
 
Observation 3: The IRG faces a number of challenges which are unlikely to abate and, without resolution, will likely detract from its future performance. 
As evidenced by desktop review and validated by interviews, the IRG faces several challenges in delivering against its core remit: 
• Focusing limited resources
• Achieving industry-wide engagement 
• Driving adoption 
• Limited human capital and succession options
• Operational and administrative challenges. 

Observation 4: The IRG compares well to other advisory bodies in Australia. International perspectives are not comparable due to dramatically jurisdictional differences, but may indicate emerging best practices. 
In very broad summary, most First Nations consultation across Australia is ad-hoc, limited temporally or spatially, and limited in scope. The IRG is relatively unique in its longevity, depth, breadth and developed institutional expertise. 

Recommendations 
The report clearly identifies that the IRG has and continues to perform a key role, not only in the FRDC’s decision-making processes but for the First Nations sector more broadly. However, as the sector grows and its opportunities and challenge elevate further in the agendas of both government and industry, it is clear that the First Nations fishing industry representative framework within the FRDC and the external structures that inform that framework will also need to evolve. 
To this end, this Review makes the following recommendations: 
• Recommendation 1: First Nations fishing RD&E representation planning and resourcing summit Recommendation 2: IRG to continue for the immediate future with enhanced administrative resourcing 
• Recommendation 3: First Nations participation on FRDC Research Advisory Groups 
• Recommendation 4: Embedding First Nations perspectives in the FRDC organisational structure 
• Recommendation 5: Establishing the case for a First Nations fishing Representative Body structure 
 
Final Report • 2023-08-09 • 577.37 KB
2022-111-DLD.pdf

Summary

Since its inception as part of the Cairns Forums, the Indigenous Reference Group (‘IRG’) to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (‘FRDC’) has served as the principal method by which the FRDC seeks to engage with Australia’s First Nations and First Peoples as it discharges its statutory responsibilities. 

Broadly, the IRG is charged with providing to the FRDC strategic- and programme-level advice on the fisheries and aquaculture research, development and extension (‘RD&E’) needs of First Nations and First Peoples across Australia. Under this core remit sit a number of complementary functions, including commissioning research, providing advice to the FRDC executive and Board on First Nations RD&E-related matters, networking, capacity building and profile raising, and other such operational and procedural matters. 

The FRDC has commissioned this Governance Review to assess the impacts and outputs of the IRG against its core remit and current scope and provide recommendations as to any changes needed to the IRG or its operations in order to improve adoption and impact of First Nations RD&E, increase opportunities for Australia’s First Peoples to participate in fishing and aquaculture, and deliver against and help shape the FRDC’s First Nations RD&E priorities. These recommendations should address governance structure, function, membership and other core aspects of the IRG. 

In the process of this Review, Australian Venture Consultants has: 
• Sought to understand the specific operational, strategic and jurisdictional context in which the FRDC and IRG operates;
• Undertaken extensive desktop and documentary review of the IRG and its deliberative processes, Project Reports relating to specific projects in which the IRG is said to have made significant contributions, and other supporting material provided by the FRDC;
• Consulted widely with FRDC executive, past and present IRG members, and other key stakeholders including industry, government, First Nations and other users of the marine estate; and
• Examined the nature, structure, resourcing, and functions of other comparable First Nations advisory and reference bodies, primarily those operating within the fisheries and aquaculture sphere, both within Australia and internationally.

Very broadly, the findings of these investigative processes may be summarised in four key observations. 
Observation 1: The IRG operates in a complex environment and is called upon to do many things. 
The IRG operates in a complex environment that can be described across three dimensions – strategic, operational and procedural – and under various lenses within those dimensions. Secondly, from an operational dimension, the IRG acts in a sphere wherein the nature of First Nations tenure and rights over Sea Country is variable among the jurisdictions, as are resource allocation and licensing frameworks. 
Finally, from a procedural perspective, while it appears that the IRG and FRDC are clear on the remit of the IRG, because the IRG is the only formalised national body operating in the First Nations fishing and aquaculture sector, there is a tendency for external stakeholders to have an expectation that the IRG has been established to address all issues associated with the First Nations fishing sector, not just R,D&E. 

Observation 2: The IRG has been highly successful in elevating awareness of First Nations fisheries and aquaculture needs and has significantly enhanced RD&E output. 
Across all stakeholders consulted but particularly amongst fisheries regulators and decision-makers, there has been a consistent message that the IRG has made a significant contribution to raising the profile and awareness of the First Nations fishing sector, its opportunities and the challenges it faces. 
 
Observation 3: The IRG faces a number of challenges which are unlikely to abate and, without resolution, will likely detract from its future performance. 
As evidenced by desktop review and validated by interviews, the IRG faces several challenges in delivering against its core remit: 
• Focusing limited resources
• Achieving industry-wide engagement 
• Driving adoption 
• Limited human capital and succession options
• Operational and administrative challenges. 

Observation 4: The IRG compares well to other advisory bodies in Australia. International perspectives are not comparable due to dramatically jurisdictional differences, but may indicate emerging best practices. 
In very broad summary, most First Nations consultation across Australia is ad-hoc, limited temporally or spatially, and limited in scope. The IRG is relatively unique in its longevity, depth, breadth and developed institutional expertise. 

Recommendations 
The report clearly identifies that the IRG has and continues to perform a key role, not only in the FRDC’s decision-making processes but for the First Nations sector more broadly. However, as the sector grows and its opportunities and challenge elevate further in the agendas of both government and industry, it is clear that the First Nations fishing industry representative framework within the FRDC and the external structures that inform that framework will also need to evolve. 
To this end, this Review makes the following recommendations: 
• Recommendation 1: First Nations fishing RD&E representation planning and resourcing summit Recommendation 2: IRG to continue for the immediate future with enhanced administrative resourcing 
• Recommendation 3: First Nations participation on FRDC Research Advisory Groups 
• Recommendation 4: Embedding First Nations perspectives in the FRDC organisational structure 
• Recommendation 5: Establishing the case for a First Nations fishing Representative Body structure 
 
Final Report • 2023-08-09 • 577.37 KB
2022-111-DLD.pdf

Summary

Since its inception as part of the Cairns Forums, the Indigenous Reference Group (‘IRG’) to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (‘FRDC’) has served as the principal method by which the FRDC seeks to engage with Australia’s First Nations and First Peoples as it discharges its statutory responsibilities. 

Broadly, the IRG is charged with providing to the FRDC strategic- and programme-level advice on the fisheries and aquaculture research, development and extension (‘RD&E’) needs of First Nations and First Peoples across Australia. Under this core remit sit a number of complementary functions, including commissioning research, providing advice to the FRDC executive and Board on First Nations RD&E-related matters, networking, capacity building and profile raising, and other such operational and procedural matters. 

The FRDC has commissioned this Governance Review to assess the impacts and outputs of the IRG against its core remit and current scope and provide recommendations as to any changes needed to the IRG or its operations in order to improve adoption and impact of First Nations RD&E, increase opportunities for Australia’s First Peoples to participate in fishing and aquaculture, and deliver against and help shape the FRDC’s First Nations RD&E priorities. These recommendations should address governance structure, function, membership and other core aspects of the IRG. 

In the process of this Review, Australian Venture Consultants has: 
• Sought to understand the specific operational, strategic and jurisdictional context in which the FRDC and IRG operates;
• Undertaken extensive desktop and documentary review of the IRG and its deliberative processes, Project Reports relating to specific projects in which the IRG is said to have made significant contributions, and other supporting material provided by the FRDC;
• Consulted widely with FRDC executive, past and present IRG members, and other key stakeholders including industry, government, First Nations and other users of the marine estate; and
• Examined the nature, structure, resourcing, and functions of other comparable First Nations advisory and reference bodies, primarily those operating within the fisheries and aquaculture sphere, both within Australia and internationally.

Very broadly, the findings of these investigative processes may be summarised in four key observations. 
Observation 1: The IRG operates in a complex environment and is called upon to do many things. 
The IRG operates in a complex environment that can be described across three dimensions – strategic, operational and procedural – and under various lenses within those dimensions. Secondly, from an operational dimension, the IRG acts in a sphere wherein the nature of First Nations tenure and rights over Sea Country is variable among the jurisdictions, as are resource allocation and licensing frameworks. 
Finally, from a procedural perspective, while it appears that the IRG and FRDC are clear on the remit of the IRG, because the IRG is the only formalised national body operating in the First Nations fishing and aquaculture sector, there is a tendency for external stakeholders to have an expectation that the IRG has been established to address all issues associated with the First Nations fishing sector, not just R,D&E. 

Observation 2: The IRG has been highly successful in elevating awareness of First Nations fisheries and aquaculture needs and has significantly enhanced RD&E output. 
Across all stakeholders consulted but particularly amongst fisheries regulators and decision-makers, there has been a consistent message that the IRG has made a significant contribution to raising the profile and awareness of the First Nations fishing sector, its opportunities and the challenges it faces. 
 
Observation 3: The IRG faces a number of challenges which are unlikely to abate and, without resolution, will likely detract from its future performance. 
As evidenced by desktop review and validated by interviews, the IRG faces several challenges in delivering against its core remit: 
• Focusing limited resources
• Achieving industry-wide engagement 
• Driving adoption 
• Limited human capital and succession options
• Operational and administrative challenges. 

Observation 4: The IRG compares well to other advisory bodies in Australia. International perspectives are not comparable due to dramatically jurisdictional differences, but may indicate emerging best practices. 
In very broad summary, most First Nations consultation across Australia is ad-hoc, limited temporally or spatially, and limited in scope. The IRG is relatively unique in its longevity, depth, breadth and developed institutional expertise. 

Recommendations 
The report clearly identifies that the IRG has and continues to perform a key role, not only in the FRDC’s decision-making processes but for the First Nations sector more broadly. However, as the sector grows and its opportunities and challenge elevate further in the agendas of both government and industry, it is clear that the First Nations fishing industry representative framework within the FRDC and the external structures that inform that framework will also need to evolve. 
To this end, this Review makes the following recommendations: 
• Recommendation 1: First Nations fishing RD&E representation planning and resourcing summit Recommendation 2: IRG to continue for the immediate future with enhanced administrative resourcing 
• Recommendation 3: First Nations participation on FRDC Research Advisory Groups 
• Recommendation 4: Embedding First Nations perspectives in the FRDC organisational structure 
• Recommendation 5: Establishing the case for a First Nations fishing Representative Body structure 
 
Final Report • 2023-08-09 • 577.37 KB
2022-111-DLD.pdf

Summary

Since its inception as part of the Cairns Forums, the Indigenous Reference Group (‘IRG’) to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (‘FRDC’) has served as the principal method by which the FRDC seeks to engage with Australia’s First Nations and First Peoples as it discharges its statutory responsibilities. 

Broadly, the IRG is charged with providing to the FRDC strategic- and programme-level advice on the fisheries and aquaculture research, development and extension (‘RD&E’) needs of First Nations and First Peoples across Australia. Under this core remit sit a number of complementary functions, including commissioning research, providing advice to the FRDC executive and Board on First Nations RD&E-related matters, networking, capacity building and profile raising, and other such operational and procedural matters. 

The FRDC has commissioned this Governance Review to assess the impacts and outputs of the IRG against its core remit and current scope and provide recommendations as to any changes needed to the IRG or its operations in order to improve adoption and impact of First Nations RD&E, increase opportunities for Australia’s First Peoples to participate in fishing and aquaculture, and deliver against and help shape the FRDC’s First Nations RD&E priorities. These recommendations should address governance structure, function, membership and other core aspects of the IRG. 

In the process of this Review, Australian Venture Consultants has: 
• Sought to understand the specific operational, strategic and jurisdictional context in which the FRDC and IRG operates;
• Undertaken extensive desktop and documentary review of the IRG and its deliberative processes, Project Reports relating to specific projects in which the IRG is said to have made significant contributions, and other supporting material provided by the FRDC;
• Consulted widely with FRDC executive, past and present IRG members, and other key stakeholders including industry, government, First Nations and other users of the marine estate; and
• Examined the nature, structure, resourcing, and functions of other comparable First Nations advisory and reference bodies, primarily those operating within the fisheries and aquaculture sphere, both within Australia and internationally.

Very broadly, the findings of these investigative processes may be summarised in four key observations. 
Observation 1: The IRG operates in a complex environment and is called upon to do many things. 
The IRG operates in a complex environment that can be described across three dimensions – strategic, operational and procedural – and under various lenses within those dimensions. Secondly, from an operational dimension, the IRG acts in a sphere wherein the nature of First Nations tenure and rights over Sea Country is variable among the jurisdictions, as are resource allocation and licensing frameworks. 
Finally, from a procedural perspective, while it appears that the IRG and FRDC are clear on the remit of the IRG, because the IRG is the only formalised national body operating in the First Nations fishing and aquaculture sector, there is a tendency for external stakeholders to have an expectation that the IRG has been established to address all issues associated with the First Nations fishing sector, not just R,D&E. 

Observation 2: The IRG has been highly successful in elevating awareness of First Nations fisheries and aquaculture needs and has significantly enhanced RD&E output. 
Across all stakeholders consulted but particularly amongst fisheries regulators and decision-makers, there has been a consistent message that the IRG has made a significant contribution to raising the profile and awareness of the First Nations fishing sector, its opportunities and the challenges it faces. 
 
Observation 3: The IRG faces a number of challenges which are unlikely to abate and, without resolution, will likely detract from its future performance. 
As evidenced by desktop review and validated by interviews, the IRG faces several challenges in delivering against its core remit: 
• Focusing limited resources
• Achieving industry-wide engagement 
• Driving adoption 
• Limited human capital and succession options
• Operational and administrative challenges. 

Observation 4: The IRG compares well to other advisory bodies in Australia. International perspectives are not comparable due to dramatically jurisdictional differences, but may indicate emerging best practices. 
In very broad summary, most First Nations consultation across Australia is ad-hoc, limited temporally or spatially, and limited in scope. The IRG is relatively unique in its longevity, depth, breadth and developed institutional expertise. 

Recommendations 
The report clearly identifies that the IRG has and continues to perform a key role, not only in the FRDC’s decision-making processes but for the First Nations sector more broadly. However, as the sector grows and its opportunities and challenge elevate further in the agendas of both government and industry, it is clear that the First Nations fishing industry representative framework within the FRDC and the external structures that inform that framework will also need to evolve. 
To this end, this Review makes the following recommendations: 
• Recommendation 1: First Nations fishing RD&E representation planning and resourcing summit Recommendation 2: IRG to continue for the immediate future with enhanced administrative resourcing 
• Recommendation 3: First Nations participation on FRDC Research Advisory Groups 
• Recommendation 4: Embedding First Nations perspectives in the FRDC organisational structure 
• Recommendation 5: Establishing the case for a First Nations fishing Representative Body structure 
 
Final Report • 2023-08-09 • 577.37 KB
2022-111-DLD.pdf

Summary

Since its inception as part of the Cairns Forums, the Indigenous Reference Group (‘IRG’) to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (‘FRDC’) has served as the principal method by which the FRDC seeks to engage with Australia’s First Nations and First Peoples as it discharges its statutory responsibilities. 

Broadly, the IRG is charged with providing to the FRDC strategic- and programme-level advice on the fisheries and aquaculture research, development and extension (‘RD&E’) needs of First Nations and First Peoples across Australia. Under this core remit sit a number of complementary functions, including commissioning research, providing advice to the FRDC executive and Board on First Nations RD&E-related matters, networking, capacity building and profile raising, and other such operational and procedural matters. 

The FRDC has commissioned this Governance Review to assess the impacts and outputs of the IRG against its core remit and current scope and provide recommendations as to any changes needed to the IRG or its operations in order to improve adoption and impact of First Nations RD&E, increase opportunities for Australia’s First Peoples to participate in fishing and aquaculture, and deliver against and help shape the FRDC’s First Nations RD&E priorities. These recommendations should address governance structure, function, membership and other core aspects of the IRG. 

In the process of this Review, Australian Venture Consultants has: 
• Sought to understand the specific operational, strategic and jurisdictional context in which the FRDC and IRG operates;
• Undertaken extensive desktop and documentary review of the IRG and its deliberative processes, Project Reports relating to specific projects in which the IRG is said to have made significant contributions, and other supporting material provided by the FRDC;
• Consulted widely with FRDC executive, past and present IRG members, and other key stakeholders including industry, government, First Nations and other users of the marine estate; and
• Examined the nature, structure, resourcing, and functions of other comparable First Nations advisory and reference bodies, primarily those operating within the fisheries and aquaculture sphere, both within Australia and internationally.

Very broadly, the findings of these investigative processes may be summarised in four key observations. 
Observation 1: The IRG operates in a complex environment and is called upon to do many things. 
The IRG operates in a complex environment that can be described across three dimensions – strategic, operational and procedural – and under various lenses within those dimensions. Secondly, from an operational dimension, the IRG acts in a sphere wherein the nature of First Nations tenure and rights over Sea Country is variable among the jurisdictions, as are resource allocation and licensing frameworks. 
Finally, from a procedural perspective, while it appears that the IRG and FRDC are clear on the remit of the IRG, because the IRG is the only formalised national body operating in the First Nations fishing and aquaculture sector, there is a tendency for external stakeholders to have an expectation that the IRG has been established to address all issues associated with the First Nations fishing sector, not just R,D&E. 

Observation 2: The IRG has been highly successful in elevating awareness of First Nations fisheries and aquaculture needs and has significantly enhanced RD&E output. 
Across all stakeholders consulted but particularly amongst fisheries regulators and decision-makers, there has been a consistent message that the IRG has made a significant contribution to raising the profile and awareness of the First Nations fishing sector, its opportunities and the challenges it faces. 
 
Observation 3: The IRG faces a number of challenges which are unlikely to abate and, without resolution, will likely detract from its future performance. 
As evidenced by desktop review and validated by interviews, the IRG faces several challenges in delivering against its core remit: 
• Focusing limited resources
• Achieving industry-wide engagement 
• Driving adoption 
• Limited human capital and succession options
• Operational and administrative challenges. 

Observation 4: The IRG compares well to other advisory bodies in Australia. International perspectives are not comparable due to dramatically jurisdictional differences, but may indicate emerging best practices. 
In very broad summary, most First Nations consultation across Australia is ad-hoc, limited temporally or spatially, and limited in scope. The IRG is relatively unique in its longevity, depth, breadth and developed institutional expertise. 

Recommendations 
The report clearly identifies that the IRG has and continues to perform a key role, not only in the FRDC’s decision-making processes but for the First Nations sector more broadly. However, as the sector grows and its opportunities and challenge elevate further in the agendas of both government and industry, it is clear that the First Nations fishing industry representative framework within the FRDC and the external structures that inform that framework will also need to evolve. 
To this end, this Review makes the following recommendations: 
• Recommendation 1: First Nations fishing RD&E representation planning and resourcing summit Recommendation 2: IRG to continue for the immediate future with enhanced administrative resourcing 
• Recommendation 3: First Nations participation on FRDC Research Advisory Groups 
• Recommendation 4: Embedding First Nations perspectives in the FRDC organisational structure 
• Recommendation 5: Establishing the case for a First Nations fishing Representative Body structure 
 
Final Report • 2023-08-09 • 577.37 KB
2022-111-DLD.pdf

Summary

Since its inception as part of the Cairns Forums, the Indigenous Reference Group (‘IRG’) to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (‘FRDC’) has served as the principal method by which the FRDC seeks to engage with Australia’s First Nations and First Peoples as it discharges its statutory responsibilities. 

Broadly, the IRG is charged with providing to the FRDC strategic- and programme-level advice on the fisheries and aquaculture research, development and extension (‘RD&E’) needs of First Nations and First Peoples across Australia. Under this core remit sit a number of complementary functions, including commissioning research, providing advice to the FRDC executive and Board on First Nations RD&E-related matters, networking, capacity building and profile raising, and other such operational and procedural matters. 

The FRDC has commissioned this Governance Review to assess the impacts and outputs of the IRG against its core remit and current scope and provide recommendations as to any changes needed to the IRG or its operations in order to improve adoption and impact of First Nations RD&E, increase opportunities for Australia’s First Peoples to participate in fishing and aquaculture, and deliver against and help shape the FRDC’s First Nations RD&E priorities. These recommendations should address governance structure, function, membership and other core aspects of the IRG. 

In the process of this Review, Australian Venture Consultants has: 
• Sought to understand the specific operational, strategic and jurisdictional context in which the FRDC and IRG operates;
• Undertaken extensive desktop and documentary review of the IRG and its deliberative processes, Project Reports relating to specific projects in which the IRG is said to have made significant contributions, and other supporting material provided by the FRDC;
• Consulted widely with FRDC executive, past and present IRG members, and other key stakeholders including industry, government, First Nations and other users of the marine estate; and
• Examined the nature, structure, resourcing, and functions of other comparable First Nations advisory and reference bodies, primarily those operating within the fisheries and aquaculture sphere, both within Australia and internationally.

Very broadly, the findings of these investigative processes may be summarised in four key observations. 
Observation 1: The IRG operates in a complex environment and is called upon to do many things. 
The IRG operates in a complex environment that can be described across three dimensions – strategic, operational and procedural – and under various lenses within those dimensions. Secondly, from an operational dimension, the IRG acts in a sphere wherein the nature of First Nations tenure and rights over Sea Country is variable among the jurisdictions, as are resource allocation and licensing frameworks. 
Finally, from a procedural perspective, while it appears that the IRG and FRDC are clear on the remit of the IRG, because the IRG is the only formalised national body operating in the First Nations fishing and aquaculture sector, there is a tendency for external stakeholders to have an expectation that the IRG has been established to address all issues associated with the First Nations fishing sector, not just R,D&E. 

Observation 2: The IRG has been highly successful in elevating awareness of First Nations fisheries and aquaculture needs and has significantly enhanced RD&E output. 
Across all stakeholders consulted but particularly amongst fisheries regulators and decision-makers, there has been a consistent message that the IRG has made a significant contribution to raising the profile and awareness of the First Nations fishing sector, its opportunities and the challenges it faces. 
 
Observation 3: The IRG faces a number of challenges which are unlikely to abate and, without resolution, will likely detract from its future performance. 
As evidenced by desktop review and validated by interviews, the IRG faces several challenges in delivering against its core remit: 
• Focusing limited resources
• Achieving industry-wide engagement 
• Driving adoption 
• Limited human capital and succession options
• Operational and administrative challenges. 

Observation 4: The IRG compares well to other advisory bodies in Australia. International perspectives are not comparable due to dramatically jurisdictional differences, but may indicate emerging best practices. 
In very broad summary, most First Nations consultation across Australia is ad-hoc, limited temporally or spatially, and limited in scope. The IRG is relatively unique in its longevity, depth, breadth and developed institutional expertise. 

Recommendations 
The report clearly identifies that the IRG has and continues to perform a key role, not only in the FRDC’s decision-making processes but for the First Nations sector more broadly. However, as the sector grows and its opportunities and challenge elevate further in the agendas of both government and industry, it is clear that the First Nations fishing industry representative framework within the FRDC and the external structures that inform that framework will also need to evolve. 
To this end, this Review makes the following recommendations: 
• Recommendation 1: First Nations fishing RD&E representation planning and resourcing summit Recommendation 2: IRG to continue for the immediate future with enhanced administrative resourcing 
• Recommendation 3: First Nations participation on FRDC Research Advisory Groups 
• Recommendation 4: Embedding First Nations perspectives in the FRDC organisational structure 
• Recommendation 5: Establishing the case for a First Nations fishing Representative Body structure 
 
Final Report • 2023-08-09 • 577.37 KB
2022-111-DLD.pdf

Summary

Since its inception as part of the Cairns Forums, the Indigenous Reference Group (‘IRG’) to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (‘FRDC’) has served as the principal method by which the FRDC seeks to engage with Australia’s First Nations and First Peoples as it discharges its statutory responsibilities. 

Broadly, the IRG is charged with providing to the FRDC strategic- and programme-level advice on the fisheries and aquaculture research, development and extension (‘RD&E’) needs of First Nations and First Peoples across Australia. Under this core remit sit a number of complementary functions, including commissioning research, providing advice to the FRDC executive and Board on First Nations RD&E-related matters, networking, capacity building and profile raising, and other such operational and procedural matters. 

The FRDC has commissioned this Governance Review to assess the impacts and outputs of the IRG against its core remit and current scope and provide recommendations as to any changes needed to the IRG or its operations in order to improve adoption and impact of First Nations RD&E, increase opportunities for Australia’s First Peoples to participate in fishing and aquaculture, and deliver against and help shape the FRDC’s First Nations RD&E priorities. These recommendations should address governance structure, function, membership and other core aspects of the IRG. 

In the process of this Review, Australian Venture Consultants has: 
• Sought to understand the specific operational, strategic and jurisdictional context in which the FRDC and IRG operates;
• Undertaken extensive desktop and documentary review of the IRG and its deliberative processes, Project Reports relating to specific projects in which the IRG is said to have made significant contributions, and other supporting material provided by the FRDC;
• Consulted widely with FRDC executive, past and present IRG members, and other key stakeholders including industry, government, First Nations and other users of the marine estate; and
• Examined the nature, structure, resourcing, and functions of other comparable First Nations advisory and reference bodies, primarily those operating within the fisheries and aquaculture sphere, both within Australia and internationally.

Very broadly, the findings of these investigative processes may be summarised in four key observations. 
Observation 1: The IRG operates in a complex environment and is called upon to do many things. 
The IRG operates in a complex environment that can be described across three dimensions – strategic, operational and procedural – and under various lenses within those dimensions. Secondly, from an operational dimension, the IRG acts in a sphere wherein the nature of First Nations tenure and rights over Sea Country is variable among the jurisdictions, as are resource allocation and licensing frameworks. 
Finally, from a procedural perspective, while it appears that the IRG and FRDC are clear on the remit of the IRG, because the IRG is the only formalised national body operating in the First Nations fishing and aquaculture sector, there is a tendency for external stakeholders to have an expectation that the IRG has been established to address all issues associated with the First Nations fishing sector, not just R,D&E. 

Observation 2: The IRG has been highly successful in elevating awareness of First Nations fisheries and aquaculture needs and has significantly enhanced RD&E output. 
Across all stakeholders consulted but particularly amongst fisheries regulators and decision-makers, there has been a consistent message that the IRG has made a significant contribution to raising the profile and awareness of the First Nations fishing sector, its opportunities and the challenges it faces. 
 
Observation 3: The IRG faces a number of challenges which are unlikely to abate and, without resolution, will likely detract from its future performance. 
As evidenced by desktop review and validated by interviews, the IRG faces several challenges in delivering against its core remit: 
• Focusing limited resources
• Achieving industry-wide engagement 
• Driving adoption 
• Limited human capital and succession options
• Operational and administrative challenges. 

Observation 4: The IRG compares well to other advisory bodies in Australia. International perspectives are not comparable due to dramatically jurisdictional differences, but may indicate emerging best practices. 
In very broad summary, most First Nations consultation across Australia is ad-hoc, limited temporally or spatially, and limited in scope. The IRG is relatively unique in its longevity, depth, breadth and developed institutional expertise. 

Recommendations 
The report clearly identifies that the IRG has and continues to perform a key role, not only in the FRDC’s decision-making processes but for the First Nations sector more broadly. However, as the sector grows and its opportunities and challenge elevate further in the agendas of both government and industry, it is clear that the First Nations fishing industry representative framework within the FRDC and the external structures that inform that framework will also need to evolve. 
To this end, this Review makes the following recommendations: 
• Recommendation 1: First Nations fishing RD&E representation planning and resourcing summit Recommendation 2: IRG to continue for the immediate future with enhanced administrative resourcing 
• Recommendation 3: First Nations participation on FRDC Research Advisory Groups 
• Recommendation 4: Embedding First Nations perspectives in the FRDC organisational structure 
• Recommendation 5: Establishing the case for a First Nations fishing Representative Body structure 
 
Final Report • 2023-08-09 • 577.37 KB
2022-111-DLD.pdf

Summary

Since its inception as part of the Cairns Forums, the Indigenous Reference Group (‘IRG’) to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (‘FRDC’) has served as the principal method by which the FRDC seeks to engage with Australia’s First Nations and First Peoples as it discharges its statutory responsibilities. 

Broadly, the IRG is charged with providing to the FRDC strategic- and programme-level advice on the fisheries and aquaculture research, development and extension (‘RD&E’) needs of First Nations and First Peoples across Australia. Under this core remit sit a number of complementary functions, including commissioning research, providing advice to the FRDC executive and Board on First Nations RD&E-related matters, networking, capacity building and profile raising, and other such operational and procedural matters. 

The FRDC has commissioned this Governance Review to assess the impacts and outputs of the IRG against its core remit and current scope and provide recommendations as to any changes needed to the IRG or its operations in order to improve adoption and impact of First Nations RD&E, increase opportunities for Australia’s First Peoples to participate in fishing and aquaculture, and deliver against and help shape the FRDC’s First Nations RD&E priorities. These recommendations should address governance structure, function, membership and other core aspects of the IRG. 

In the process of this Review, Australian Venture Consultants has: 
• Sought to understand the specific operational, strategic and jurisdictional context in which the FRDC and IRG operates;
• Undertaken extensive desktop and documentary review of the IRG and its deliberative processes, Project Reports relating to specific projects in which the IRG is said to have made significant contributions, and other supporting material provided by the FRDC;
• Consulted widely with FRDC executive, past and present IRG members, and other key stakeholders including industry, government, First Nations and other users of the marine estate; and
• Examined the nature, structure, resourcing, and functions of other comparable First Nations advisory and reference bodies, primarily those operating within the fisheries and aquaculture sphere, both within Australia and internationally.

Very broadly, the findings of these investigative processes may be summarised in four key observations. 
Observation 1: The IRG operates in a complex environment and is called upon to do many things. 
The IRG operates in a complex environment that can be described across three dimensions – strategic, operational and procedural – and under various lenses within those dimensions. Secondly, from an operational dimension, the IRG acts in a sphere wherein the nature of First Nations tenure and rights over Sea Country is variable among the jurisdictions, as are resource allocation and licensing frameworks. 
Finally, from a procedural perspective, while it appears that the IRG and FRDC are clear on the remit of the IRG, because the IRG is the only formalised national body operating in the First Nations fishing and aquaculture sector, there is a tendency for external stakeholders to have an expectation that the IRG has been established to address all issues associated with the First Nations fishing sector, not just R,D&E. 

Observation 2: The IRG has been highly successful in elevating awareness of First Nations fisheries and aquaculture needs and has significantly enhanced RD&E output. 
Across all stakeholders consulted but particularly amongst fisheries regulators and decision-makers, there has been a consistent message that the IRG has made a significant contribution to raising the profile and awareness of the First Nations fishing sector, its opportunities and the challenges it faces. 
 
Observation 3: The IRG faces a number of challenges which are unlikely to abate and, without resolution, will likely detract from its future performance. 
As evidenced by desktop review and validated by interviews, the IRG faces several challenges in delivering against its core remit: 
• Focusing limited resources
• Achieving industry-wide engagement 
• Driving adoption 
• Limited human capital and succession options
• Operational and administrative challenges. 

Observation 4: The IRG compares well to other advisory bodies in Australia. International perspectives are not comparable due to dramatically jurisdictional differences, but may indicate emerging best practices. 
In very broad summary, most First Nations consultation across Australia is ad-hoc, limited temporally or spatially, and limited in scope. The IRG is relatively unique in its longevity, depth, breadth and developed institutional expertise. 

Recommendations 
The report clearly identifies that the IRG has and continues to perform a key role, not only in the FRDC’s decision-making processes but for the First Nations sector more broadly. However, as the sector grows and its opportunities and challenge elevate further in the agendas of both government and industry, it is clear that the First Nations fishing industry representative framework within the FRDC and the external structures that inform that framework will also need to evolve. 
To this end, this Review makes the following recommendations: 
• Recommendation 1: First Nations fishing RD&E representation planning and resourcing summit Recommendation 2: IRG to continue for the immediate future with enhanced administrative resourcing 
• Recommendation 3: First Nations participation on FRDC Research Advisory Groups 
• Recommendation 4: Embedding First Nations perspectives in the FRDC organisational structure 
• Recommendation 5: Establishing the case for a First Nations fishing Representative Body structure 
 

2023 EvokeAG bursary

Project number: 2022-110
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $4,000.00
Principal Investigator: Helen T. Burvill
Organisation: Eastern Zone Abalone Industry Association (EZAIA)
Project start/end date: 31 Jan 2023 - 23 Mar 2023
Contact:
FRDC
TAGS
Training
Innovation
Education
Conference
Capacity Building
SPECIES
Sea Urchins

Need

Attend EvokeAg, pitch my idea and gain knowledge from other successful start ups in a forum that is encouraging to new ideas and concepts.
Future benefits would be to commercialize a new product that can utilise waste and provide an alternative commercial stream for a product that tends to go to landfill or used as fertiliser.

• EvokeAg ticket $1,100
• Accommodation: $1,200 (4 nights - allowing side event participation)
• Flights: $500
• Petrol / airport parking: $200 Armstrong Creek – Melbourne Airport (103 km each way) / $250 (allowing 5 days airport terminal parking)
• Taxis: $250
• Meals: $350

Total $3,860

Objectives

1. Attendance at EvokeAg 2023, Asia Pacific’s premier agrifood tech event in Adelaide, 21-22 February 2023
Blank
Industry
PROJECT NUMBER • 2022-108
PROJECT STATUS:
CURRENT

TNFD (Taskforce for Nature Related Financial Disclosure) - "Blue TNFD Pilot" - Three Case Studies Applying The TNFD Nature Related Risk and Opportunity Management and Disclosure Framework to Commercial Fisheries: Austral Fisheries, Western Rock Lobster Council (WRL) and Spencer Gulf and West Coast Fishermen’s Association (Spencer Gulf Prawns)

ORGANISATION:
Savoir Consulting
TAGS
Climate Resilience
SPECIES
Patagonian Toothfish
Western Rock Lobster
King Prawns
Industry
People

Know & Show your Carbon Footprint - Discovery Phase

Project number: 2022-105
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $35,000.00
Principal Investigator: Sarah Castellanos
Organisation: Agricultural Innovation Australia Ltd (AIA)
Project start/end date: 31 Dec 2022 - 31 Jul 2023
Contact:
FRDC
TAGS
Climate Resilience
Climate Mitigation
Climate Change

Need

This project will be an initial discovery phase to inform scoping of overall approach.

Deliverables include:
Consultation across fishing and aquaculture stakeholders at least 38 key fishing and aquaculture stakeholders.
• Identification of the functional and non-functional requirements to create K&S functionality for the included sectors.
• Identification of the data and modelling requirements to create K&S module/functionality for the included sectors.
• Assessment of any current solutions/calculators provided relative to the market requirement.
• Evaluate current reference and benchmarking data versus what is required to support accurate, automated carbon accounting, and, ultimately inform decision-making that enables productivity whilst reducing carbon emissions.
• Understand the gap between knowing your carbon footprint and being able to make informed decisions that lead to reductions in emissions.
• Identification of the data and modelling requirements to create a module and/or functionality for the included sectors.
• Identification of the missing calculators, features, functionality and underlying data and research required to enable all sectors to participate and benefit from the platform.
• Documented solution design for creation of functionality identified during discovery for addition to the core infrastructure.
• Report detailing the results of the carbon footprint calculation drivers / needs / existing knowledge, tools & data, gap analysis, and solution design. This will inform the Contributor and AIA in respect of further investment in the K&S solution.

Objectives

1. Complete discovery phase to inform scoping of 'Know & Show', for consideration

Review and quantify the cumulative effects of expanding industrial coastal developments and emerging offshore renewable energy on the fishing industry in WA

Project number: 2022-104
Project Status:
Current
Budget expenditure: $220,000.00
Principal Investigator: Carli Telfer
Organisation: Western Australian Fishing Industry Council Inc (WAFIC)
Project start/end date: 30 Mar 2023 - 30 Jun 2024
Contact:
FRDC
TAGS
Rac Wa

Need

The fishing industry in WA and Offshore renewable sector has the opportunity to develop and set a framework for how the industries will work side-by-side to build long term collaborative relationship. Currently, the offshore renewable sector has clearly defined statutory basis, however no marine spatial planning has been provided, to date, and no statutory authority or priority policy that allows or considers the fishing industry. Exclusions zone around infrastructure ultimately claims authority over the water with fishers excluded. In Scotland, 10 years has passed since the establishment of the first offshore wind farm and the Scottish Fishermans Federation are still grappling with the impacts from this industry. In Scotland, first it was the oil and gas sector, then decommissioning and now offshore renewable, so there are real opportunities to learn from overseas and our own WA experiences to work towards developing a framework, to avoid ongoing conflict.

The fishing industry in WA is a defender of a healthy marine environment and is supportive of low carbon emissions, sustainable marine environments and aquatic resources, with the fishing industry also playing one of the most important roles for the community by providing food security. There is currently insufficient protection for the fishing industry with existing plans, legislation, tools and mechanisms bringing balance to some industries and not others. However, in Australia we have an opportunity before wind farms are placed in Australian waters to adequately understand the science of the impacts, by reviewing the literature and learning from other jurisdictions, to provide evidence-based decision-making outcomes for both sectors.

A framework is required that values and protects a legitimate, sustainable and long-established fishing industry which remains at the core of our coastal communities and contributes to our national food security. This new framework will work to provide a key role for the fishing industry in marine spatial planning, particularly in relation to offshore renewable sector and we can jointly understand the potential impacts, co-existence opportunities and avoid displacement to ensure the long-term economic viability of the fishing industry remains.

A full assessment of the spatial squeeze that restricts fishing throughout WA needs to be understood to assess cumulative impacts and avoid displacement of the fishing industry. There is a clear need to understand the potential effects associated with offshore renewable projects and assess how fishing industries can co-design or coexist. If displacement is unavoidable an established compensation process may need to be developed. This project will therefore work with State and Commonwealth Governments to establish important marine spatial planning principles for the fishing industry.

Objectives

1. Evaluate the cumulative impacts on the fishing industry resulting in restrictive access to fish resources.
2. Review the international literature on the spatial impacts that affect fishing businesses and develop a recommended coexistence governance framework which could be adopted at a state level or potentially even nationally for future renewable energy projects or developments that impact coastal environments and aquatic resources.
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