Voice of Country: Memorandum of Understanding
Let's build a culture where Australians unite around a living country, reclaiming our shared role as custodians of this land.
Our Work | Voice of Country | Photo: Justin McManus
Voice of Country: Memorandum of Understanding
Bringing culture and Country back from the brink
For thousands of years Aboriginal people lived in harmony with this country and the species that evolved here. The past two centuries have seen nothing but a constant decline of our plants, wildlife, soil and water due to the introduction and lack of control of invasive species. Today they are the biggest threat to our native species.
Invasive species are destroying our totems and degrading our land and sea Country.
Our Country is crying out for an end to this damage.
As the nation’s first land managers, our culture understands the importance of caring for Country. Unfortunately, modern Australian culture continues to allow invasive species to threaten our land. Bringing our native plants and animals back from the brink will require a culture shift that prioritises the protection and healing of our ancient and diverse landscapes. Therefore, I/We call on all Australian people, leaders, and decision makers to demonstrate care for Country by sharing the responsibility of custodianship for our soil, water and native species through ensuring:
- The establishment of Indigenous roles dedicated to the healing of Country such as an Indigenous commissioner responsible for caring for country across protected areas.
- Scientifically supported, humane control of invasive species that are degrading our Country and repair of the damage that has already been done.
- Biosecurity efforts that keep new invasive animals, plants and diseases from reaching our Country.
Sign the Memorandum of Understanding
Bringing culture and Country back from the brink
For thousands of years Aboriginal people lived in harmony with this country and the species that evolved here. The past two centuries have seen nothing but a constant decline of our plants, wildlife, soil and water due to the introduction and lack of control of invasive species. Today they are the biggest threat to our native species.
Invasive species are destroying our totems and degrading our land and sea Country.
Our Country is crying out for an end to this damage.
As the nation’s first land managers, our culture understands the importance of caring for Country. Unfortunately, modern Australian culture continues to allow invasive species to threaten our land. Bringing our native plants and animals back from the brink will require a culture shift that prioritises the protection and healing of our ancient and diverse landscapes. Therefore, I/We call on all Australian people, leaders, and decision makers to demonstrate care for Country by sharing the responsibility of custodianship for our soil, water and native species through ensuring:
- The establishment of Indigenous roles dedicated to the healing of Country such as an Indigenous commissioner responsible for caring for country across protected areas.
- Scientifically supported, humane control of invasive species that are degrading our Country and repair of the damage that has already been done.
- Biosecurity efforts that keep new invasive animals, plants and diseases from reaching our Country.
