The Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC) is the main government funder of biodiversity and land management activities across northern Australia. 

To maximise opportunities where research can improve biodiversity conservation across the region, it is critical that Northern Australia hub researchers engage with SEWPaC decision makers.

In June 2013, 20 researchers travelled to Canberra to present an overview of the research activities underway to SEWPaC staff, and to better understand the structure of teams within the department.

More than 100 SEWPAC staff attended presentations and meetings, and the hub’s researchers are now looking for opportunities to further engage and contribute to policy and tools for decision makers.