The establishment of PBC peak bodies in the Torres Strait and Victoria reflects a growing movement towards regional governance and coordination. While PBCs aspire to achieve autonomy and independence in their operations, many also seek greater representation in the governance of their communities, regions and organisations.
PBCs in all regions are beginning to explore pathways to working together collectively, whether through informal means or the establishment of additional regional organisations – building on, amending and rejecting existing representation structures. The experience in Victoria is already demonstrating potential benefits to economic development for PBCs in this region through the formation of collective business opportunities.
PBCs have requested support from AIATSIS to investigate different models for regional representation. The project aims to provide information, resources and comprehensive analysis on regional group formation and governance, highlighting in particular the successes of organic and community-driven processes.
Group photo from the first national PBC meeting in Canberra, 2007.
Group photo from the first national PBC meeting in Canberra, 2007.
Resources
- Indigenous Governance: The Harvard Project, Australian Aboriginal Organisations and Cultural Subsidiarity
- Building Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Governance: Report of a Survey and Forum to Map Current and Future Research and Practical Resource Needs
- Indigenous Governance Bibliography
- AIATSIS and AIGI Survey of Gaps and Challenges in Indigenous Governance Research and Practical Tools
Project team
Dr Lisa Strelein
Dr Tran Tran
Mia Stone