Summary

NSW Aboriginal Affairs commissioned CIRCA, to evaluate the Murdi Paaki Accord. This evaluation aimed to document the Accord negotiation process and identify its strengths, challenges, and ways it might be improved. The methodology included a document review and qualitative discussions with representatives of the Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly (MPRA) negotiating panel, NSW Government departments and agencies and the independent facilitator. The evaluation found that the Accord negotiation was a professional, transparent and structured process based on good governance approaches to enhance shared decision making and build positive relationships. The evaluation also identified opportunities for improving future Accord negotiations.