MEDIA RELEASE: AFSA’s First Peoples Focal Group responds to DAFF’s First Nations Strategy

For immediate release – 19th August 2026

To the recent release of the National Statement on the First Nations agriculture, fisheries and forestry report, the First Peoples Focal Group (FPFG) would like to respond to the National Statement. As the Statement attempts to align itself to First Nations agriculture practices and principles, it is heavily focused from an economic-business and profitable “Indigenous Estate” point of view. A gap in the Statement is limiting the opportunity to discuss that First Nations Farmers and People not only want to have self-determination through economic benefits through agribusiness but knowingly to protect Country, not an Indigenous Estate. It is our right as Custodians to defend, protect, nurture, balance, source out and harvest Country across all of our communities. Importantly, standing on the principles to access to clean, fresh and healthy produce that is not commercially-driven but as a key pillar to human rights.

Ultimately, it is about understanding Country and how we are connected biologically and spiritually to our lands, skies and waterways. Trusting Country is resilient and knowing that symbiotically, Country needs its Custodians to thrive and rejuvenate. Viewing Country with an open mind and lens to allow new information to be taught and shared with the next generation. Most of all, respecting and providing love for Country is part of who we are as one collective People and our philosophy of how we do life. 

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Contact: Týa P. Dynevor, First Peoples Focal Group Coordinator

email: fpfgcoordinator@afsa.org.au