Voicing First Nations Country, culture and community in urban policy

Relationship between Indigenous Australians and urban policy

AHURI researchers from the University of Sydney, RMIT University and University of NSW lead research to examine the relationship of First Nations peoples in Australia to urban policy and planning.

The research was designed to centre First Nations sovereignty, authority, knowledge, governance and agency as the starting point toward a more responsible relationships with Traditional Custodians.

Research aims and scope

Investigate experiences and expectations of First Nations peoples engaging in urban policy domains in major Australian cities
Assess the capacity of non-Indigenous urban policy professions to partner with First Nations peoples as sovereign actors
Identify the pathways by which urban policy makers can respectfully learn, engage and embed First Nations’ perspectives in policy formulation and practice

Key findings

Urban policy must recognise Country: All cities and towns sit on unceded First Nations land, with custodians holding enduring authority and responsibility.
Shift from consultation to partnership: Move beyond tokenistic engagement toward trusted, long-term, well-resourced relationships with Traditional Custodians.
Reform systems and frameworks: Address barriers, reduce consultation fatigue, and strengthen recognition through Treaty, cultural protocols and power-sharing.
Build practitioner capacity: Equip policymakers with the skills, cultural fluency and support needed to engage respectfully and transform practice.

In 2025, the research team and some Traditional Custodian partners travelled to Larrakia Country in Darwin to share outcomes of the research at the Planning Institute of Australia Congress. The team presented in a plenary session to highlight some key findings and share some stories to inspire attendees.

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Indigenous Knowledge Place

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Research team

Manual Name : Miss Elle Davidson

Manual Description : Aboriginal Planning Lecturer, University of Sydney

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Manual Name : Professor Libby Porter

Manual Description : Director, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University

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Manual Name : Ms. Ani Landau-Ward

Manual Description : Lecturer, RMIT University

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Manual Name : Dr Ed Wensing

Manual Description : Research Associate, University of NSW

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Manual Name : Matthew Kelly

Manual Description : PhD candidate, University of NSW

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Manual Name : Professor Donald McNeill

Manual Description : Dean and Head of School, University of Sydney

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This research created an opportunity for Traditional Custodians of Sydney and Melbourne to share their experiences in working with urban policy. It created a vehicle for sharing recommendations and hopefully elevating First Nations Knowledges in future projects.

Elle Davidson

Project Lead and Aboriginal Planning Lecturer at the School of Architecture, Design and Planning