On Tuesday 9 June, ICIN was invited to attend a public hearing on the Preparing for emerging industries across Northern Australia inquiry, prepared by the Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia. ICIN published a submission in February 2026 addressing key terms of reference, specifically focusing on how the Indigenous carbon industry was contributing to:
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the global transition to net zero and furthering renewable energy, decarbonisation and carbon abatement and;
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empowering and upskilling local First Nations people
You can read our submission here.
In attendance at the hearing was ICIN CEO Anna Boustead, ICIN Policy Officer Suzanne Munkara, ICIN Director Suzanne Thompson and North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance (NAILSMA) CEO Barry Hunter. The committee secretary will release the full Hansard transcript in the coming weeks, with additional questions for ICIN to respond to.
During the hearing, ICIN highlighted the significant contribution that Indigenous-led carbon projects are making to environmental outcomes, regional economic development and employment across Northern Australia. Committee members also sought ICIN's views on opportunities and challenges facing the sector, including the development of carbon methods that include the management of feral ungulates in wetlands in Northern Australia.
ICIN thanks members who contributed to the submission, and the committee for inviting ICIN to provide evidence on emerging industries. Speaking at these parliamentary inquiries offers a significant opportunity to highlight key issues and successes of the Indigenous carbon industry, placing our advocacy efforts at the forefront of the Government’s agenda.