Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2025L00100:front:0:p4
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2025L00100
Segment Type: other
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Character Range: 13285–16289

the Macquarie Island Marine Park in the Southern Ocean was expanded, increasing the size of the South-east Network from 388,464 km2 to 701,927 km2 (Figure 1.1).
This plan is the result of sustained consultation and engagement with governments, First Nations people, industry stakeholders, scientists and many other voices across Australia. I thank everyone who contributed to the development of this plan, including the many people who provided submissions through the statutory consultation processes. Your input has ensured we can find the right balance between strengthening protection and providing for sustainable use and enjoyment of our marine parks. I look forward to working in partnership with marine park users and communities to support the effective implementation of this plan.
Response to 'Not without us, if it's about us'
I extend my gratitude to the South-east Saltwater Council for their statement, 'Not without us, if it's about us', included on pages 810 of this plan. The statement reflects the council's views and aspirations, and understanding these ideals is an important first step toward meaningful collaboration with South-east Traditional Owners over time.
I recognise the importance of respecting Traditional Owners as partners, and not stakeholders, as highlighted in the statement. Traditional Owners bring unbroken, deep and longstanding connections, knowledge and values to the management of the South-east Network. Parks Australia[1] is committed to strengthening collaboration with the South-east Traditional Owners as partners by engaging with the council and other culturally appropriate forums to implement this plan.
I would also like to thank the council for their candid feedback regarding engagement to date. Parks Australia is increasingly working to embed cultural competency as a core practice in the organisation. We will seek to engage early and meaningfully with Traditional Owners in managing our varied estate of parks, within the bounds of legal and regulatory frameworks.
I am a proud Djungan man and pleased to be the first Indigenous person to hold the position of Director of National Parks. I acknowledge that tensions may at times arise between the legal and institutional frameworks that define the regulatory office I hold and the aspirations of First Nations peoples to discharge their obligations to look after Country. I am committed to working transparently, in good faith and respectfully with the Traditional Owners of the South-east Marine Parks' Sea Country to implement this plan.
Building genuine and respectful partnerships with Traditional Owners is fundamental to the success of this plan. By including commitments such as dual-naming initiatives, enhanced engagement and consultation processes, and the co-design of a Sea Country Strategy, I believe this plan lays the groundwork for developing, over time, a mutually beneficial partnership between Parks Australia and the South-east Traditional Owners, that can also support and