WA Biodiscovery Bill: Phase 1 stakeholder engagement

About

Phase 1 of consultation took place from August to December 2022. The purpose was to seek feedback on key definitions and issues to inform the development of proposals for the WA Biodiscovery Bill (the Bill).

We promoted the consultation activities by emailing stakeholders and running a social media campaign that had a total reach of more than 150,000 people and created about 430,000 impressions. Flyers and posters were sent to representative organisations.

The consultation received 148 responses, with 64 organisations participating and 44 participants identifying themselves as Aboriginal.

What we did in Phase 1

1. Consultation papers released

There were 2 consultation papers to help stakeholders provide feedback on key issues: one for Aboriginal people and another for researchers and businesses. See the links below.

2. Workshops

There were 7 workshops for Aboriginal people and representative organisations held in Perth and regional areas. An extra workshop for researchers and businesses was held in Perth. Participants could attend in-person or connect virtually.

3. Online surveys

There were 2 online surveys: one for Aboriginal people and another for researchers and businesses.

4. Written submissions and 1:1 meetings

Stakeholders were invited to make written submissions and/or meet with the Project Team to discuss issues.

5. Report released

The Phase 1 findings and recommendations report was released in March 2023. See the link below.

There were 7 workshops for Aboriginal people and representative organisations held in Kununurra, Broome, Karratha, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Albany and Perth. A further workshop with researchers and businesses was held in Perth.

The workshops were facilitated by an independent consultant, Graham Castledine of Castledine Gregory Law and Mediation, and supported by a graphic scribe, Will Bessen of Tuna Blue.