Australian Marine Parks First Nations Reference Group

Parks Australia has established a national Australian Marine Parks (AMP) First Nations Reference Group.

The Group’s role is to provide independent, high-level advice to Parks Australia in appropriately considering First Nations perspectives, rights, and knowledge in the design and ongoing management of Australian Marine Parks. This includes advice on the review of five management plans and the approaches to consultation, governance models, and broader strategic and policy matters relevant to Sea Country and marine park management.

The Group also supports national consistency across the review and Australian Marine Park networks more broadly.

The Group’s purpose is to ensure that First Nations advice is considered in a manner that is independent, transparent, and accountable, and that engagement processes reflect the principles of self-determination, partnership, free, prior and informed consent, and cultural integrity.

Membership was initially formed from First Nations members of the Australian Marine Park Advisory Committees (AMPACs), to recognise and build on established leadership in management. Additional members have been recruited with recognised Sea Country knowledge and experience across First Nations organisations.

Typically around 10 members, appointed by the Director of National Parks.

Additional members will be considered to ensure:

• geographic coverage across the AMP network
• existing connections to the management of AMPs, where relevant
• gender balance
• a mix of Traditional Owners, cultural knowledge holders, Sea Country managers, and First Nations organisations with marine or governance expertise. 

Members serve in a personal capacity, not as delegates of their organisations or communities.

First Nations Reference Group membership list:

• Nathan Brennan
• Bo Carne
• Nerida Haynes
• Shane Holland
• Cass Hunter
• Bob Kaigey
• Stephen van Leeuwen
• Stan Lui
• Vonda Malone
• Dean Matthews
• Sean McNeair
• Leah Talbot