Membership

Objectives

To provide an effective voice to raise awareness of the unique issues impacting and opportunities available to Outback Australia
To Identify key areas of influence
To develop a set of “Outback Policy Principles and Protocols” and implement them across the full spectrum of public policy and programs.
To establish understanding and support from politicians, bureaucrats and the broader communities for remote Australia

Outcomes

The Outback Alliance members aim to provide:

An effective forum to continue to drive the policy frameworks to achieve an equitable future for Outback Australia;
Government and the Australian community recognition for the need to have, and engage in wide ranging cross sectorial discussions on the systemic challenges facing Outback Australia;
A high-level understanding and acceptance of the systemic challenges facing Outback Australia;
A high-level understanding and acceptance of what is needed to address existing policy framework failings;
An effective forum to continue to drive the policy framework required to achieve a fair and equitable future for Outback Australia;
“Outback Policy Principles and Protocols” embedded into policy development in government processes.

Vision

A thriving Outback Australia, for the people and the land, that contributes visibly to the wellbeing of the nation.

Principles

Connection to Country: Recognition of the Outback as a place of belonging for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Environment: An ecologically robust Outback that sustains and supports nature.
Health: healthy outback communities that have access to the services they need.
Land-Based Livelihoods: Resilient Outback land managers delivering positive outcomes for Australia
Economic Development: Integrated and thoughtful policy adjustments that enable the Outback to better contribute to the Australian economy.
Digital Inclusion: Improved connectivity and digital inclusion to engage and strengthen Outback communities
Inclusiveness: All people especially those who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those who have physical or mental disabilities and members of minority groups.
Partnership: work with others in a spirit cooperation and collaboration
Sustainable development: economic development that is conducted without depletion of natural resources.

Governance

The Steering Committee (SC) will be the governing body that will drive the work of the Alliance.
Member organisations will select/nominate a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 volunteer members for the Steering Committee.
SC members will have the ability to commit and contribute to the work of the Alliance.
As the Alliance grows and develops SC will be chosen via nomination and vote from members and affiliates. A more formal governance structure and processes will be established only when this is needed.
The SC will meet regularly – up to 8 meetings annually – approximately every 6 weeks

The Steering committee will:

Determine the focus of the Alliance
Drive action
Manage finances
Manage secretariat
Present on behalf of members
Determine and record SC agendas, papers and minutes
Provide Secretariat reports
Develop strategic and operational plans
Manage membership, including recruitment and mechanisms for approving/not approving members.

Membership

Members represent organisations which operate in the best interest of Outback Australia or/and are individuals who have a passion and interest in the welfare of Outback Australia.
Our membership will reflect the breath and diversity of outback Australia and represent the different sectors/interests of the Alliance, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, environment, health and business organisations.
Members may be: Paying member; non-paying member; sponsor; or a partner (see table below).
New members will be recruited to ensure that the membership base reflects the policy priorities of the Alliance.
The Outback Alliance will aim to increase its membership by 2-3 members per year.

Download a copy of the membership document here: Outback Alliance Membership Application Form 2020