Independent Review of the AusSeabed - Final Report

We are excited to share the final report of the Independent Review of the AusSeabed Initiative Governance, Funding and Future Operating Model by Dr Tony Worby.

This review confirmed the significant value of AusSeabed as a national marine data and coordination capability, supporting multiple Commonwealth portfolios, state and territory governments, research institutions, industry, and Australia's international commitments. It also provides recommendations to strengthen AusSeabed's governance, strategic focus and delivery to ensure its ongoing success.

The AusSeabed Executive Board has accepted all recommendations contained in the report and the five government partners; Geoscience Australia, Australian Hydrographic Office, CSIRO Marine National Facility, Australian Antarctic Division and the Australian Institute of Marine Science, have endorsed the formal integration of AusSeabed within Geoscience Australia, together with the development of a new governance framework for AusSeabed.

We thank Dr Worby for his thoughtful analysis of the opportunities and challenges facing AusSeabed, and for developing a clear and strategic set of recommendations to support its long-term success.

The review’s findings are a testament to the strength of AusSeabed and the impact that can be achieved through collaboration across governments, research organisations and industry.

We warmly thank everyone who contributed to the review through interviews, workshops, submissions and discussions. Your insights and perspectives played a critical role in shaping the review's findings and recommendations.

More broadly, thank you for your dedication and hard work over the years in establishing, growing and sustaining AusSeabed as a nationally recognised capability.

Over the coming months, we will begin work on implementing the recommendations, including the development of new governance arrangements. We look forward to engaging with the AusSeabed community as this work progresses.

If you have any questions, please reach out to ausseabed@ga.gov.au.