Chapter 6: A broker diagnostic for assessing local, regional and LEB-wide institutional arrangements for Aboriginal governance of desert environments

Chapter 6: A broker diagnostic for assessing local, regional and LEB-wide institutional arrangements for Aboriginal governance of desert environments Electronic Book Section

DKCRC Research Report - People, communities and economies of the Lake Eyre Basin

  • Author(s): Robinson, CJ, Williams, L, Lane, MB
  • Secondary Author(s): Measham, TG, Brake, L
  • Published: 2009
  • Publisher: Desert Knowledge CRC
  • Volume: 45

Abstract: This report proposes a framework (referred to as the broker diagnostic) to assess and analyse the efficacy of institutional arrangements for Aboriginal people and their land management aspirations in the LEB. The framework focuses on the efforts of individual facilitators, leaders and community champions to broker the interface between Aboriginal communities and environmental programs and institutions. The term ‘broker’ is borrowed from social network theory and recognises the value of these individuals to act as bridges or ‘nodes’ between regional NRM organisations, government funding programs and Aboriginal communities. These brokers are therefore uniquely placed to act as a valuable ‘litmus test’ to critically assess the support provided to Aboriginal communities to manage the Aboriginal and shared lands, environments and natural resources of the LEB. The broker diagnostic has been informed by research that has critically examined key drivers affecting sustainable development in desert environments (Reynolds et al. 2007, Stafford Smith 2008) and the emergence of local, regional and extra-regional integrated planning approaches to achieve sustainable development outcomes (e.g. Lane et al. 2005, Lane & Robinson in press). Of particular interest is research that has assessed Aboriginal participation in local and regional NRM programs in Australia (e.g. Robinson et al. 2005, Worth 2005, Lane & Corbett 2005, Howitt 2001, Lane & Williams 2008), and those authors who have analysed the role of brokers in regional NRM planning and implementation (e.g. Fenton 2007, Rixon et al. 2007). This research has informed the development of the components of the broker diagnostic, which are as follows: - Brokers and organisations understand the key contextual issues affecting Aboriginal environmental governance. - Brokers have the individual and organisational capabilities to respond to key issues affecting - Aboriginal environmental governance. - Aboriginal Knowledge (AK) is integrated into environmental planning and management.

Notes: Chapter 6 of Measham TG & Brake L (Eds.). People, communities and economies of the Lake Eyre Basin, DKCRC Research Report 45

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Suggested Citation
Robinson, CJ, Williams, L, Lane, MB, 2009, Chapter 6: A broker diagnostic for assessing local, regional and LEB-wide institutional arrangements for Aboriginal governance of desert environments, Volume:45, Electronic Book Section, viewed 07 February 2025, https://www.nintione.com.au/?p=4816.

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