An accomplished First Nations marine scientist from Queensland has been appointed to the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) Council .
Dr Cass Hunter joins the Council for a five-year term commencing 16 March after being appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Minister for Environment and Water, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP.
AIMS Council Chair, Dr Beth Woods OAM, welcomed Dr Hunter to the position.
"Cass has been closely connected to AIMS as a First Nations advisor to the AIMS Council since April last year and she contributes that perspective, as well as a strong science background, to our Council discussions," she said.
Dr Hunter has a PhD in quantitative marine science and more than 20 years' experience leading collaborative approaches in design, planning, and decision-making with First Nations communities.
"Cass' experience as a First Nations woman working with First Nations people is respected throughout the marine science community, as is her ability to apply scientific research to real-world settings," Dr Woods said.
"Her experience will be invaluable in guiding AIMS towards more inclusive and innovative research practices.
"We look forward to working closely with her to ensure that the voices and knowledge of First Nations communities continue to be at the forefront of our efforts to provide the research knowledge that enables the protection and sustainable use of Australia's marine ecosystems."
Dr Hunter, a descendant of the Kuku Yalanji (Far North Queensland) and Maluiligal (Torres Strait) nation, has worked for CSIRO as an Indigenous system researcher and currently works for NAILSMA as an Enterprise Impact Manager.
Her other appointments include: the Australian Government's Indigenous Advisory Committee; the Biodiversity Assessment Expert Reference Group - Nature Repair Scheme; the North Marine Parks Advisory Committee; the Reef 2050 Independent Expert Panel and the Reef Traditional Owner Taskforce. She also chairs the Great Barrier Reef Foundation Traditional Owner Healthy Water Technical Working Group.
Dr Hunter succeeds Dr Erika Techera, who retires following the end of her five-year term on the AIMS Council.
Dr Woods thanked Dr Techera for her valuable contribution to AIMS during her membership of the Council, particularly her advice relating to national and international marine environmental governance and environmental law.
