Can Economics Embrace Aboriginal Values Orientation?

The Economic Society of Australia – South Australia Branch (ESA-SA) and the College of Business & Law, Adelaide University are pleased to invite you to the one-day symposium:

Can Economics Embrace Aboriginal Values Orientation?

Tuesday, 17 November 2026
Industry Engagement Hub, Adelaide University

About the Symposium

Economics plays an important role in decisions about public policy, wellbeing, environmental management, investment and project development. However, conventional economic approaches may not always fully capture the values, relationships and responsibilities that matter to Aboriginal People and communities.

This symposium will create a space for dialogue about where economic frameworks are useful, where they may fall short, and how economists and policymakers can engage more effectively with Aboriginal perspectives and priorities.

This is a public-facing symposium and everyone is welcome. No specialist knowledge of economics or Indigenous policy is required — we warmly invite academics, practitioners, policymakers, students, community members and anyone interested in the discussion.

What the Day Will Include

• A Keynote Address by Professor Anne Poelina (Chair of Indigenous Knowledges and Senior Research Fellow, Nulungu Research Institute, The University of Notre Dame Australia; Chair, Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council)
• Three research presentations on Indigenous relational wellbeing, Aboriginal-led evaluation, and compensation and non-market valuation
• Three extended panel discussions bringing together Aboriginal leaders, economists, researchers and practitioners:
  • What counts as value? Aboriginal and Western perspectives in economic decision-making
  • Measuring what matters: Aboriginal wellbeing, economic success and community priorities
  • Who decides what is fair? Aboriginal governance, economic valuation, negotiation and rights
• Morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and networking opportunities

Keynote Speaker: Professor Anne Poelina

Professor Anne Poelina is a Nyikina Warrwa and Warlunguru woman from the Kimberley region of Western Australia. She is Professor, Chair and Senior Research Fellow in Indigenous Knowledges at the Nulungu Research Institute, University of Notre Dame Australia, and Executive Chair of the Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council. Anne is an active community leader, human and earth rights advocate, filmmaker and respected academic researcher whose work is grounded in First Law, Indigenous knowledge systems and environmental justice. In 2025, she was appointed a Global Commissioner for the World Health Organization–Lancet Commission on Sea Level Rise, Health and Justice (2025–2028). She also holds a number of prominent national and international leadership and advisory roles in water, climate, environmental justice and Indigenous governance, and her work has been recognised through multiple awards, including the 2024 Geoethics Medal and the 2024 Bessie Rischbieth Conservation Award.

Who Should Attend

All members of the public are welcome, including academics, practitioners, policymakers, students, community members and anyone interested in Aboriginal values, economics, policy and evaluation.

No specialist knowledge of economics is required.

Event Information

Date: Tuesday, 17 November 2026

Time: 9.00 am – 4.30 pm

Format: In-person, one-day symposium

Catering: Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided. (Please provide any dietary or accessibility requirements when registering.)

Cost: Free

Venue: Lloyd Building, 9 Light Square, Adelaide SA 5000.

Industry Engagement Hub, Adelaide University (UniSA Enterprise Hub on google map)

When you enter the building, the Seminar Space is located through the doors straight ahead.

Co-organisers

Associate Professor Duygu Yengin
Associate Professor, School of Economics, Adelaide University
President, Economic Society of Australia – South Australia Branch
Symposium Co-organiser

Professor Jeffrey Connor
Professor of Economics, School of Economics, Adelaide University
Symposium Convenor and Co-organiser

Co-hosted by

College of Business & Law, Adelaide University

and

Economic Society of Australia – South Australia Branch (ESA-SA)

We look forward to welcoming you to a day of thoughtful discussion about how economics can engage more effectively with Aboriginal values, knowledge, priorities and governance.

Acknowledgement of Country

Adelaide University and the Economic Society of Australia – South Australia Branch acknowledge the Kaurna people as the Traditional Custodians of the Adelaide Plains, where this symposium will be held. We pay our respects to Kaurna Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We recognise their continuing connections to Country, culture and community.

Sponsors