The Invasive Species Council has welcomed the NSW government's move to establish an Aboriginal Healthy Country Assistant Commissioner within the Natural Resources Commission, with recruitment now underway.
The Council urged all states and territories to follow suit by establishing similar roles, while also calling on the federal government to create a national Commissioner for Country to strengthen First Nations leadership in protecting Country for future generations.
Invasive Species Council Indigenous Ambassador and Voice of Country campaign lead, Richard Swain, said the NSW model is "a step forward which other states, territories and federally should follow".
"It's an important recognition that Indigenous knowledge and leadership are key to caring for Country, as we have done for thousands of years," he said.
"Invasive species are one of the biggest threats to Australia's native animals and plants. They don't just damage Country – they threaten culturally significant species, waterways, and sacred places. This new role will help ensure Indigenous voices and Country herself are heard in tackling these challenges.
"Aboriginal people have always been a dignified voice when it comes to land management in this country. If we're serious about healing Country, we need to go further. A permanent Aboriginal Commissioner for Country would ensure that First Nations leadership is not just included but embedded in law – with the independence and resources to drive real change."
Mr Swain said the Assistant Commissioner will be an important advocate for the respect of Country and the Council looks forward to working with them.
"This role must tackle invasive species head-on. We can't protect Country if we don't address the threats that are pushing so much of our wildlife to the brink," he said.
"With momentum building, we're also calling for a Federal Commissioner for Country – a national role that puts Country first by bringing all Australians together in accepting the responsibility of custodianship.
"There is a real opportunity here – NSW can lead the way in showing how Indigenous respect and knowledge for Country and modern conservation can come together to protect what's left. We have a choice – the decade of healing Country, or the decade of watching more species disappear. Let's make the right one."
The NSW Natural Resources Commission supported the establishment of a First Nations Land and Sea Country Commissioner to improve invasive species management in NSW as part of its preliminary NSW Invasive Species Management Review, released in September 2024.
The review recommended: supporting the creation of a First Nations Land and Sea Country Commissioner, who will represent Aboriginal people involved in natural resource management, including invasive species management, at senior levels of the NSW Government; and building a network of Aboriginal staff across various agencies to drive change, share opportunities and provide a representative forum to engage with communities and decision-makers.
The recommendation followed advocacy from the Invasive Species Council and the Voice of Country campaign, alongside other Indigenous leaders from key environmental organisations, calling for federal and state-level Caring for Country Commissioners to enhance natural resource and invasive species management.
