Hidden in plain sight: recognising indigenous democracy in australian environmental policymaking through a deliberative systems approach

Abstract

This thesis explores the research question: To what extent can the theory and practice of deliberative democracy improve Australian Indigenous environmental policy? It uses a deliberative systems framework to analyse the complex relationship between Indigenous nations and the Australian state, specifically focusing on how Indigenous democratic practices interact with state systems. The study addresses how Indigenous political authority has historically been overlooked and marginalised within Australian democracy and seeks to validate and amplify Indigenous voices by examining the role of Indigenous deliberative forums—specifically the Northern Basin Aboriginal Nations and the Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations—in their interactions with the Murray–Darling Basin Authority.

Through a combination of theoretical and empirical analysis, this study not only reveals the pluralistic nature of Australian democracy but also investigates how a deliberative democracy lens can deepen our understanding of Indigenous practices and their relationships with the state. Simultaneously the thesis explores how Indigenous democratic practices offer valuable insights for rethinking and enhancing deliberative democracy itself. By foregrounding Indigenous perspectives, the research challenges state-centric paradigms and emphasises the need to recognise Indigenous empowered spaces as vital to improving environmental policy outcomes.

The thesis demonstrates that a concurrent Indigenous and state deliberative system—marked by authentic, inclusive and consequential engagement—can enhance the effectiveness of environmental governance. It underscores the need for state recognition of Indigenous political authority and offers practical recommendations for creating more inclusive governance structures that respect Indigenous self-determination and democratic practices.

Overall, this thesis makes a dual contribution to the fields of deliberative democracy and environmental policy. It reimagines the democratic relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Australian state, providing a conceptual framework and practical insights fordeveloping policies that are more equitable, inclusive and reflective of Indigenous voices and values.

Date of Award	2024
Original language	English
Supervisor	Nicole CURATO (Supervisor), Lain DARE (Supervisor) & John DRYZEK (Supervisor)