Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables defines the different contexts, work environments and parameters governing the performance of this competency standard. The variables chosen in training and assessment will need to reflect local industry and regional contexts.

To what groups does the term Indigenous people refer?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia.

What is country?
Country is an area of land with cultural significance to a group.

Which appropriate people may be included?
Elders, Council of Elders, medicine people, governing committees, traditional owners, community rangers, National park rangers and marine park rangers.

What cultural knowledge may be relevant to this competency standard?
Indigenous land and sea resources, their uses and the relationships between plants, animals and community.

Which specific areas could be relevant to this standard?
Own country or area of choice, e.g., defined community area, National Park, state forest, nature reserves, Crown lands, marine park and private land.

Who is an authorised person?
An authorised person is an individual to whom certain information or knowledge can be disclosed without infringing on cultural protocols and rights to that knowledge. This can include both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

Which Indigenous land and sea cultural management practices may be included?
Flora and fauna management, fire regimes, site protection, ceremonial practices, rehabilitation, endangered species management, replanting projects, education of non-Indigenous people to carry on management practices, aqua and vivi-culture techniques and spiritual maintenance of country.

What are the associated issues which may be relevant to this standard?
Endangered species, pest control, weed control, rubbish disposal, pollution - terrestrial and marine, ceremonial closures, totemic responsibilities, waste disposal/control and feral animals.

What management strategies may be relevant to this competency standard?
Details of the issue, research information, a range of possible solutions, the outcomes of consultations with appropriate people, outcomes of consultations with other key stakeholders, and concluding recommendations.

Who could be included in groups of Indigenous people?
Local Indigenous community, government agencies - State and Commonwealth, land councils, regional and State/Territory associations and legal services.

Who might the government stakeholders be?
State/Territory and Commonwealth government agencies such as Departments of Environment, Departments of Natural Resources, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, State or regional industry associations and organisations (such as tourism fishing mining bodies), and ATSIC.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in developing strategies for Indigenous land or sea management requires evidence that appropriate research has been conducted, funding sources have been applied for, and that management strategies have been developed that are costed and endorsed according to community guidelines and cultural protocols and legislative requirements. The skills and knowledge required to develop strategies for Indigenous land or sea management must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different strategies, areas of country, funding arrangements and consultative approaches.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below:

Indigenous land/sea management practices.
Cultural customs and heritage.
Application of protocols.
Native Title Acts.
Relevant state land acts/legislation.
Research processes.
Interaction between natural and cultural processes.
Cultural knowledge on plants, animals and relationship to country.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills include the ability to:

Conduct research.
Work to prescribed community protocols.
Coordinate and work within teams in community environments.
Research contemporary Indigenous land and sea management practices.
Develop management strategies for a specified area.
Source and apply for funds.
Consult with others on strategies, priorities and project works.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

Essential Assessment Information
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What processes should be applied to this competency standard?
There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
Communication of ideas and information can be applied through consultation with appropriate persons and government stakeholders. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Information can be collected, analysed and organised through research and development of priorities. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Activities can be planned and organised according to developer strategies, and within time and budgetary constraints. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Teamwork can be applied through interaction with government stakeholders, community people and staff. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematical ideas and techniques can be applied through preparation of costs and timelines for implementation of strategies. (2)

Solving problems
Problem solving skills can be applied through determining risks and threats to country and proposing strategies to address these. (3)

Using technology
Technology can be applied through recording of strategies electronically and management practices. (2)