Recommendation 5

To harness the value and recognise the importance of Indigenous knowledge, the EPBC Act should require decision-makers to respectfully consider Indigenous views and knowledge. Immediate reform is required to:

1. amend the Act to replace the Indigenous Advisory Committee with the Indigenous Engagement and Participation Committee. The mandate of the Committee will be to refine, implement and monitor the National Environmental Standard for Indigenous engagement and participation in decision-making
2. adopt the recommended National Environmental Standard for Indigenous engagement and participation in decision-making
3. amend the Act to require the Environment Minister to transparently demonstrate how Indigenous knowledge and science is considered in decision-making.