Advocacy and Law Reform

Advocating for Change

Advocacy and reform are central to YMAC’s purpose, and is one of the four key ‘pillars’ of our Strategic Plan 2026–2030.

YMAC works alongside Traditional Owners and YMAC members from our representative regions to make sure their voices are heard and reflected in decisions about their rights, Country and futures. This includes supporting truth-telling, self-determination and fair outcomes that recognise and respect First Nations knowledge, culture, and authority.

YMAC acts to ensure Traditional Owners from our representative regions have appropriate access to government, so that their concerns – and ideas for solutions – are heard.

We aim to influence systems to be more just, inclusive, and responsive to First Nations knowledge and leadership.

YMAC’s Board of Directors and CEO regularly engage with State and Federal Government to advocate for change. This work includes:

• written and in-person submissions to government policy reviews,
• media statements,
• promoting opportunities for Traditional Owners to engage in consultations,
• YMAC Board and staff participation in consultation meetings, and
• partnering with others through our membership of the WA Alliance of Representative Bodies and Services Providers, and the National Native Title Council (NNTC).

YMAC also promotes opportunities for Traditional Owners to directly engage in law reform, and supports communities to be heard at annual events such as Yule River and Yamatji on-Country.