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Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research
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Indigenous Community Governance Project

Understanding, Building and Sustaining Effective Governance
in Rural, Remote and Urban Indigenous Communities

Sharing Success Governance Workbook

Link here to a valuable workbook introducing Indigenous community governance concepts, examples of good practices, signs of problems and diagnostic checklists used for a Reconciliation Australia Sharing Success Indigenous governance workshop held in September 2007 in Mt Isa, Queensland. The content of the workbook is drawn from the findings of the Indigenous Community Governance Research Project and analysis of all the Indigenous Governance Award applications. This workbook is an example of one of the very practical tools for Indigenous communities and organisations that has been developed from the Indigenous Community Governance research.

Sharing Success Workshop. [30 July 2009]


'Contested Governance: Culture, power and institutions in Indigenous Australia'. CAEPR Monograph No. 29, 2008.

Edited by Janet Hunt, Diane Smith, Stephanie Garling and Will Sanders

Available for purchase (hardcopy) from
ANU E Press

Abstract Abstract
pdf PDF


 

A Collaborative Action Research Project by
the Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research and Reconciliation Australia

The Indigenous Community Governance Project (ICGP) is supported under the Australian Research Council's Linkage funding scheme (Project No. 0348744). The project is also funded by the Northern Territory and West Australian governments, and the Australian Government through the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (formerly the Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs), each of whom also collaborate with the research.

The Project is a partnership between the Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research (CAEPR) and Reconciliation Australia, to undertake research on Indigenous community governance with participating Indigenous communities, regional Indigenous organisations, and leaders across Australia. 

The Project is exploring:

  • The current state of community governance on the ground, including its cultural, social, economic, legal, policy, service delivery, and historical contexts

  • The different models of governance that have been established and are emerging in communities, and the governance processes, institutions, structures, powers and capacities involved

  • The factors influencing culturally legitimate governance arrangements in Indigenous communities

  • The shortfalls in community governance skills and capacities, as well as the governance strengths, and

  • The wider 'governance environments' and policy networks within which community governance operates, including the role and impacts of State, Territory and Federal Government policy and service delivery on the effectiveness of community governance.

Case study research is being undertaken at some 13 varied sites across Australia, in collaboration with participating communities and organisations. The Project aims to make research 'count' by using a participatory community-based approach, and by directly informing the work of Indigenous organisations, leaders and government agencies in their practical efforts to build better governance.

The Project depends on guidance from an Advisory Committee that has significant Indigenous membership, and comprises experts from across Australia as well as international researchers from the United States and Canada.

Research findings from the Project are made available in a wide range of accessible formats to the participating Indigenous community governing bodies and leaders, and to project sponsors. In addition, the Project publishes papers, reports, and a newsletter, and presents its research at workshops and conferences.

 



 

Click on the ICGP case studies on the map below for further information or alternatively go to “Research” on the menu bar