Cultural warning
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices or names of deceased persons in photographs, film, audio recordings or printed material.
What we do
The role of the Aboriginal Water and Environment Advisory Group (AWEAG) is to ensure that Aboriginal knowledge, values and needs are considered and appropriately addressed across the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation鈥檚 (the department) strategies, policies, programs and planning for the management and regulation of the State's environment and water resources.
This involves fostering strong relationships between the department, AWEAG members and the communities they represent. The group provides early input and guidance on water and environmental legislation, ensuring the protection of Aboriginal rights to cultural, social, spiritual and economic well-being.
AWEAG has collaborated with the Water Resource Reform Reference Group (WRRRG) and the Environmental Regulatory Group (ERSG), about contributing to the monitoring and evaluation of key projects, programs and policies. An annual strategic planning session will guide the agenda from 2024 onward, identifying risks and opportunities, and setting the priorities for each year.
History
AWEAG was established in 2019 by former Director General Mike Rowe, to address a significant gap in Aboriginal knowledge, values and needs within the department鈥檚 strategies, policies and programs. In 2021, with the appointment of the new Director General, Michelle Andrews, a comprehensive review of AWEAG was undertaken.
The review reevaluated the Terms of Reference (ToR) and recommended the appointment of Aboriginal Co-Chair Jason Barrow. The amendments to ToR also created an extension option for members to remain beyond the initial four-year term, with a commitment to maintaining a culturally safe space through conflict-of-interest (CoI) disclosures and private in-camera sessions. Additional changes included On-Country meetings, proxy nominations, an annual strategic planning meeting and the production of communiques for each session.
