Oral Presentation Australian Freshwater Sciences Society Conference 2024

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in drinking water policy (113018)

Margaret Fono 1 2 , Felicity Chapman 3 , Vita Christie 1 2 4 , Carmen Parter 2 4 , Jodi Knight 5 , Simone Sherriff 6 , Uncle Boe Rambaldini 1 2 4 , Bradley Moggridge 7 , Kylie Gwynne 1 2 4 8
  1. Nura Gili Centre for Indigenous Programs, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  2. Djurali Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research and Education, Newtown, NSW, Australia
  3. Deadly Weavers, Queensland, QLD, Australia
  4. Heart Research Institute, Newtown, NSW, Australia
  5. Nil, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
  6. The Poche Centre for Indigenous Health , The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  7. Indigenous Leadership and Engagement, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  8. Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia

The rich tapestry of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture features an enduring connection to water since time immemorial. However, Australia’s colonisation in 1788 marked a shift in water management that has generated myriad problems for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, persisting to the present day. For example, despite recognising access to safe drinking water as a human right, inequities persist in Australia, particularly affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Excluding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems from drinking water policy design and implementation has exacerbated this issue. Contemporary discourse recognises the importance of incorporating Indigenous knowledge systems into natural resource management policies, including water governance. However, the extent to which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives inform current drinking water policy remains unclear.

Our realist review critically examines this by addressing two key questions:

(1) What is the evidence for engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in drinking water policy design at macro, meso, and micro-system levels?

(2) What contextual factors and mechanisms influence engagement?

We systematically searched electronic databases, grey literature sources and relevant water governing websites. Our search resulted in five peer-reviewed studies and thirty-three grey literature files which we analysed, assessed and synthesised to inform our findings.

Our resulting program theory posits that addressing complex water issues requires long-term investment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander governance and self-determination in drinking
water policy design, implementation, and evaluation. We present a comprehensive roadmap, highlighting enablers and barriers to genuine Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander involvement in drinking water policy. Despite an extensive search strategy, our results may not fully capture the complex macro, meso and micro policy contexts.

Future research could investigate capacity-building for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander water operators and decision-makers to inform policy that ensures safe drinking water for all Australians.