The Indigenous Ranger Biosecurity Program (IRBP) was launched in 2015 to integrate Indigenous cultural knowledge and practice with informed scientific biosecurity risk profiles to protect northern Australia. The IRBP is a cross-agency program facilitated by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) and seeks to strengthen biosecurity management and preparedness in northern Australia while also increasing agency for First Nations people to engage with their land and Country.

The IRBP engages 65 Indigenous ranger groups across northern Australia through seven key elements: fee-for-service contracts for surveillance activities, a Community Liaison Network, capability building through training and equipment, a Biosecurity Ranger Forum, traineeships, business grants, and Torres Strait arrangements. Additional initiatives include coastal clean-up projects and feral pest reduction efforts. 

The evaluation used diverse data sources, including consultations with government, industry, and Indigenous rangers, and a survey of 106 Indigenous rangers.

The evaluation concludes while the IRBP should continue in its current format, targeted improvements could enhance its effectiveness in achieving biosecurity outcomes while supporting Indigenous employment and cultural connection to Country.

Key Achievements

• Strong progress on short-term outcomes, including improved ranger knowledge and skills.
• Effective biosecurity surveillance activities by Indigenous rangers.
• Positive reception of the Ranger App for data collection.
• Strengthened relationships across the biosecurity network.
• Growing career pathway opportunities in biosecurity 

Challenges Identified

• Limited government capacity to analyse surveillance data collected by rangers.
• Non-ongoing funding creates uncertainty and hampers long-term planning.
• Complex program structure leading to stakeholder confusion about purpose.
• Administrative burden of grants and procurement processes. 

Key Recommendations

1. Continue the program with clearer purpose definition and adequate resources.
2. Expand the Community Liaison Officer network.
3. Develop a comprehensive communications strategy.
4. Review the fee-for-service financial model.
5. Better embed cultural knowledge and practices.