The Oceans Board of Management (OBOM) is a whole-of-government forum to oversee operational aspects of the Government's marine planning programme and Australia's Oceans Policy. It comprises representatives from seven departments and agencies relevant to Australia's marine jurisdiction. OBOM is chaired by the Secretary of the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.
The National Oceans Advisory Group (NOAG) is the peak stakeholder body comprised mainly of sectoral representatives from industry, science and conservation, selected for expertise in marine issues. Overseeing the development of the government's marine planning programme, NOAG reports directly to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage.
In October 2002 an independent review of the implementation of Australia’s Oceans Policy recommended a number of measures aimed at improving the Policy’s implementation. The recommendations included establishing a high-level group of officials from agencies with marine interests and responsibilities to provide the opportunity for discussion of complex oceans management issues across the Australian Government. The Government agreed to implement these improvements.
The high-level group of officials, now known as the Oceans Board of Management (OBOM), was established in early 2003.
The OBOM's role is to:
- oversee Oceans Policy activities and provide advice to Government
- provide a coordination mechanism between the Marine Division of the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts and other agencies
- ensure accountability and maintain a whole-of-government focus
- approve funding for projects consistent with the development of Oceans Policy
Membership
The OBOM comprises representatives from the following departments and agencies:
- Department of Environment and Heritage
- Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources
- Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
- Department of Education, Science and Training
- Department of Transport and Regional Services
- Department of Defence
- Department of Finance and Administration
- Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet
- Australian Fisheries Management Authority
The Secretary of the Department of Environment and Heritage is the Chairman.
The OBOM is able to co-opt members from other agencies as relevant issues arise. The National Oceans Advisory Group and other committee representatives may attend OBOM meetings at the request of the Chair.
The National Oceans Advisory Group is a Commonwealth advisory body established by the Australian Government to implement Australia’s Oceans Policy (December 1998). It is comprised predominantly of members with non-government interests.
The role of the Advisory Group is to provide advice to Government on the implementation of Australia’s Oceans Policy. It also acts as a forum for exchanging information and views between the various ocean sectors.
Membership and Sectors Represented
- Professor Russell Reichelt (Chair), Marine Science
- Mr Michael Bland, Conservation
- Ms Sue Blackwell, Association of Australian Ports and Marine Authorities
- Mr Lawrence Costa, Indigenous People
- Mr Andrew Hayes, Recreational and Light Commercial Industries
- Professor Tony Haymet, Marine Science
- Mr John Hirst, Ports
- Mr Mitchell Hooke, Minerals
- Professor George Kailis, Fishing Research & Development and Communities
- Mr Wayne Kirkpatrick, Tourism
- Ms Margaret Moore, Conservation
- Mr Lachlan Payne, Shipping
- Mr Bob Pennington, Commercial Fishing
- Mr Frank Prokop, Recreational Fishing
- Ms Belinda Robinson, Oil and Gas
- Associate Professor Greg Rose, Maritime Policy & Law
- Associate Professor John Sherwood, Marine Science
- Mr Neville Smith, Bureau of Meteorology
- Professor Martin Tsamenyi, Maritime Policy & Law
- Associate Professor Geoff Wescott, Community
Terms of Reference
The National Oceans Advisory Group will:
- work through and advise Government on:
- cross-sectoral and cross-jurisdictional oceans issues, focussing on gaps, overlaps and priorities and examining matters such as integration issues and ecosystem-based planning and management;
- the scope and effectiveness of the Regional Marine Planning process;
- the views of a broad range of relevant non-government stakeholders on the implementation of Australia’s Oceans Policy;
- regional and economic opportunities and impediments to marine industry development;
- other matters related to oceans planning and management, as requested by Government;
- examine and identify emerging issues in ocean planning and management; and
- promote awareness of Australia’s Oceans Policy amongst non-government and other stakeholders.
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