Governance documents
Terms of reference
CAWI’s terms of reference outlines the Committee’s remit.
Insights Paper
The Insight’s Paper is a set of First Nations water values and principles. It includes actions for inclusion in national water reform initiatives.
Pictorial timeline
This is a timeline of Australian water management. It shows an increase in advocacy for First Nations water rights and interests over time. This document is updated periodically and is currently under review.
CAWI communique
CAWI publishes communiques after each official face-to-face meeting to inform you about the outcomes of their meetings.
Communique #12, July 2026
If you need help accessing these files, visit web accessibility.
Communique #11, March 2026
Communique #10, June 2025
Communique #9, February 2025
Communique #8, November 2024
- Communique of the 31st Committee meeting, 27–29 November 2024, Canberra (PDF 229 KB)
Communique of the 31st Committee meeting, 27–29 November 2024, Canberra (DOCX 116 KB)
Communique #7, September 2024
- Communique of the 30th Committee meeting, 11–12 September 2024, Canberra (PDF 229 KB)
Communique of the 30th Committee meeting, 11–12 September 2024, Canberra (DOCX 116 KB)
Communique #6, May 2024
- Communique of the 28th Committee meeting, 15–16 May 2024, Melbourne (PDF 882 KB)
Communique of the 28th Committee meeting, 15–16 May 2024, Melbourne (DOCX 99 KB)
Communique #5, February 2024
- Communique of the 26th Committee meeting, 27–29 February 2024, Gayini (PDF 222 KB)
Communique of the 26th Committee meeting, 27–29 February 2024, Gayini (DOCX 93 KB)
Communique #4, December 2023
- Communique of the 24th Committee meeting, 13–14 December 2023, Adelaide (PDF 189 KB)
Communique of the 24th Committee meeting, 13–14 December 2023, Adelaide (DOCX 95 KB)
Communique #3, October 2023
- Communique of the 23rd Committee meeting, 30 October–2 November 2023, Darwin (PDF 177 KB)
Communique of the 23rd Committee meeting, 30 October–2 November 2023, Darwin (DOCX 95 KB)
Communique #2, August 2023
- Communique of the 21st Committee meeting, 9–10 August 2023, Cairns (PDF 272 KB)
Communique of the 21st Committee meeting, 9–10 August 2023, Cairns (DOCX 95 KB)
Communique #1, June 2023
- Communique of the 20th Committee meeting, 23–25 May 2023, Perth (PDF 326 KB)
Communique of the 20th Committee meeting, 23–25 May 2023, Perth (DOCX 89 KB)
If you need help accessing these files, visit web accessibility.
Submissions
CAWI prepares submissions for public policy processes. This is one way that CAWI advocates for change so that First Nations people can access, own and manage water.
Videos
Water connects First Nations peoples to their culture, identity and wellbeing. It provides for cultural, spiritual, social, economic and environmental values and uses.
The Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Water Interests (CAWI) has developed a series of videos to explain:
- CAWI’s role
- the cultural value of water
- why it is important to engage in government water reform.
Hear from CAWI members as they share their experiences, knowledge and insights on the importance of recognising First Nations interests in water management and decision-making.
