First Nations’ MDBA appointment a big step forward

MLDRIN has welcomed the establishment of a legislated, permanent First Nations position on the Board of the Murray Darling Basin Authority, following the passage of the Water Amendment (Indigenous Authority Member) Bill 2019 in Federal Parliament last Thursday.

MLDRIN worked alongside the Northern Basin Aboriginal Nations and other First Nations organisations to lobby successive Federal Water Ministers on the importance of establishing a First Nations Board member at the MDBA.

“We identified a critical gap in the expertise and decision making ability of the MDBA, which was Aboriginal representation at the Board level,” MLDRIN Chair and Nari Nari representative Rene Woods said

“We commend Minister Littleproud for heeding First Natons advocacy and ensuring that Basin Traditional Owners have representation at the highest level of the MDBA,” Rene Woods said.

“We urge Minister Littleproud to ensure that the new Indigenous Authority Member is a Traditional Owner from the within Basin. It is vital that the new appointee can speak with cultural authority, a close understanding of First Nations aspirations and awareness of the critical threats facing our waterways.”

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