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?

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	oceans governance, Australia's Oceans Policy, marine spatial planning
Research Division:	Studies in Human Society
Research Group:	Policy and Administration
Research Field:	Public Policy
Objective Division:	Environment
Objective Group:	Environmental Policy, Legislation and Standards
Objective Field:	Coastal and Marine Management Policy
UTAS Author:	Vince, J (Dr Joanna Vince)
ID Code:	126769
Year Published:	2018
Deposited By:	Office of the School of Social Sciences
Deposited On:	2018-06-22
Last Modified:	2018-12-07
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