Indigenous leaders propose National Caring for Country Framework and dedicated National Body

Today, at the 2026 AIATSIS Summit on the Gold Coast, Queensland (Yugambeh Country), the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC) Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Joe Morrison, alongside Mr Ian Hamm, Mr Rodney Dillon, Mr Richard Swain, Ms Suzanne Thompson and Mr Barry Hunter, unveiled a landmark proposal to explore the establishment of a Caring for Country Commissioner and a dedicated national body.

The initiative seeks to create an Indigenous-led national framework that formally recognises and supports the growth of the Caring for Country industry – a sector built on the traditional cultural knowledge and practices of Australia’s First peoples.

This proposal will be further explored during the week of the AIATSIS Summit, through a dedicated workshop with key stakeholders led by the ILSC.

With Indigenous land and water interests now formally recognised across 57% of the nation, the Caring for Country proposal argues that an accountable, legitimate and coordinated approach to land and sea management is both necessary and essential, not just for Indigenous peoples, but the nation as a whole.

Sector experts believe this framework will ensure Indigenous leadership is at the heart of legislative and policy frameworks that govern the management of Australia’s natural and cultural places.

Now, the time is right to address this critical need.

Australia stands at a decisive moment in its response to the global climate crisis. As a nation, we are committed to ambitious international targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions – net zero by 2050 and the interim target of a 62%-70% reduction by 2035.

This commitment includes halting biodiversity loss across the Country. The bolstering of the carbon market through legislative amendments and the introduction of the Nature Repair Market have sharpened the efforts of Indigenous land and sea managers, governments, corporate entities, environmentalists and philanthropic investors alike.

The connection between Australia’s First peoples and Country cannot be understated. Indigenous expertise must be the primary driver of Australia’s environmental resilience, and they must be the architects of their own futures.

Therefore, achieving the climate adaptation agenda is not possible without the formal recognition and a compact with Indigenous Australians.

The establishment of an independent, statutory office holder and national body would improve coordination, resourcing and engagement between Indigenous peoples and Commonwealth, State and Territory governments, protecting the environment, reducing biodiversity loss and ensuring Indigenous informed legislative, policy and program design.

The Caring for Country proposal, which seeks to establish a Caring for Country Commissioner and a dedicated national body, announced at the 2026 AIATSIS Summit, was received by conference-goers and media alike.

Quotes attributable to Joe Morrison, ILSC Group Chief Executive Officer:

“The establishment of a national body isn’t just about environmental management, it’s about facilitating true self-determination built on the long standing connection Indigenous people have throughout Australia.

“Indigenous peoples and Country are inextricably linked, and Australia is in need of an Indigenous-led approach that respects the cultural authority of those who have cared for this Country for more than 65,000 years.

“The ILSC isn’t playing an advocate’s role in the push for a Caring for Country national framework. Rather, we are a system participant and convenor – one that can bring Indigenous leaders together and contribute evidence, insight and long‑term perspective.”

Quotes attributable to Suzanne Thompson, Indigenous Carbon Industry Network Director:

“The power of a national advocate such as a Commissioner for Indigenous-led caring for Country methods and practices lies in restoring Traditional Cultural Authority to the centre of decisions about how Country is managed, governed, and protected. By embedding cultural governance systems and recognising the authority of Traditional Custodians, we can strengthen approaches to caring for Country that are grounded in generations of knowledge and responsibility. Through genuine two-way knowledge sharing, we can enhance our collective response to climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental stewardship while honouring the wisdom of our ancestors and ensuring it continues to inform contemporary policy, practice, and decision-making for future generations”.

Quotes attributable to Barry Hunter, North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance Chief Executive Officer:

“The North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance support the concept of a national body and statutory office to coordinate and bring greater cohesion to the investment and program design of caring for Country activities. At the heart of this is our Indigenous Rangers, working hard to protect and repair biodiversity, prevent disasters and reduce the impact of climate change. We look forward to working with the Australian Government and partners to see this vision progress.”

Quotes attributable to Richard Swain, Invasive Species Council First Nations Ambassador:

"With nearly 60% of Australia’s threatened species occurring on land managed by Indigenous people, we have a historic opportunity to elevate the voices of First Nations people, and restore Country and culture by protecting it from the threat of invasive species. Now is the time to do this."

Quotes attributable to Rodney Dillon, AIATSIS Council Member:

“The proposed caring for Country Commissioner and national body provides new opportunities for our People to benefit from the emerging green economy. Cultural rights and practice manage environmental resources and keep Country healthy. Two-way knowledge and a shared approach to resources and land and sea management is right for the nation’s future. This proposal works toward this goal.”