Indigenous Rangers

Senator Pocock supports the ongoing effort to increase the number of Indigenous Rangers. He recognises the vital role Indigenous Rangers play in managing and protecting country, and the program’s potential for creating economic opportunities for First Nations peoples. 

Senator Pocock has also advocated for expanding the IPA network to ensure the continued conservation of Australia’s unique landscapes and cultural sites. He supports measures that strengthen governance structures and funding for IPAs to enhance their effectiveness and longevity.

Acknowledging the challenges of land and sea management, the Senator believes that funding must be sufficient and appropriately indexed to keep pace with inflation and rising costs. He has sought greater clarity from the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) on this matter, including whether ranger groups will have access to additional wage and cost-of-living support allocated in the Federal budget.

Senator Pocock has also raised concerns about the capacity of contract and agreement managers within the NIAA, noting that many oversee multiple program areas without specialised expertise in land management. He believes it is essential to rebuild staffing capacity in the federal environment department to ensure Indigenous Rangers and IPA managers receive the necessary support to achieve the best outcomes.

Our office has worked consistently and collaboratively with Country Needs People to ensure their work is supported and help facilitate this engagement by sponsoring access to Federal Parliament for Country Needs People CEO Patrick O’Leary. 

Senator Pocock believes these programs should be secured well into the future, beyond the 2030 target. He emphasises the importance of ongoing, stable funding and long-term policy commitments to ensure Indigenous Rangers and IPAs continue to deliver environmental, social, and cultural benefits for generations to come. He remains committed to advocating for clear government commitments on the future of these programs.

Senator Pocock will continue working to ensure Indigenous Ranger programs and IPAs receive the necessary resources and support at the federal level.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions - you can email [email protected] or call the Electorate office on 6247 6444.