The twenty year anniversary of Australia's Oceans Policy: achievements, challenges and lessons for the future. Issue 3 (3rd July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vince, Joanna
• Is Part Of: Australian journal of maritime and ocean affairs. Volume 10:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 182
• Page End: 194
• Publication Date: 2018-07-03
• Subjects: Maritime law -- Australia -- Periodicals; Maritime law -- Indo-Pacific Region -- Periodicals; Law of the sea -- Australasia -- Periodicals; Law of the sea -- Indo-Pacific Region -- Periodicals; Shipping -- Australia -- Periodicals; Shipping -- Indo-Pacific Region -- Periodicals; Maritime law -- Periodicals; Shipping -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 341.45
• DOI: 10.1080/18366503.2018.1490882
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1836-6503

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In 1998 the Australian government released Australia's Oceans Policy . The oceans policy was a policy experiment that attempted new and untried methods of policy implementation through ecosystem based management approaches. However, the government's initial goal to achieve 'full' integration across sectors and jurisdictions was never achieved. This paper examines the achievements, challenges and lessons learned from this complex and historically significant policy process that spanned over a decade. It reveals that despite the attempt at a holistic policy approach, the challenges to reconcile the jurisdictional and sectoral issues that are entrenched in Australian oceans governance contributed to the policy's demise. These issues continue to shape ocean and marine resources management in Australia and given the timely event of the twenty-year anniversary of the launch of the policy the question is asked – what is the way for forward for Australian oceans governance?