Enhancing Indigenous Engagement in Australian Climate Policy

Connor Dane Wright The University of Melbourne Office of Environmental Programs Fellow

Executive Summary

This paper addresses the critical issue of the historical marginalisation of Indigenous Australians in climate policy discussions. Despite their vulnerability to climate change and the valuable knowledge they hold for mitigation and adaptation efforts, Indigenous Australians have been consistently underrepresented in decision-making processes. This underrepresentation is a legacy of colonialism and systemic marginalisation, resulting in insufficient political commitment to Indigenous voices in climate discussions. The urgency of this issue was highlighted by Indigenous leaders at the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27), who called for direct involvement in decision-making and integration of their knowledge into climate policy.

To address this issue, several policy options were considered, however one recommendation has been made as the most effective in overcoming these barriers, an “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Council on Climate Change”. This policy recommends the formation of a council with veto power over policies affecting Indigenous lands and communities, ensuring direct Indigenous influence in climate policymaking. Estimated cost: $5 to $10 million annually from the federal budget.

Problem Identification

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Policy Recommendation

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