In 2010, the Murray Lower Darling Indigenous Nations (MLDRIN) and Northern Basin Aboriginal Nations (NBAN), as part of the Echuca
Declaration stated that:
“Cultural Flows” are water entitlements that are legally and beneficially owned by the Nations of a sufficient and adequate quantity and
quality to improve the spiritual, cultural, natural, environmental, social and economic conditions of those Nations. These are our inherent
rights.”
Since then the Federal Government established an advisory body the Committee
of Aboriginal Water Interests
to provide advice to government on Aboriginal Water Interests. The group provided an 'insights paper' designed to "present[s] a set of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander water values, principles, and actions that the Committee wants recognised and reflected within
national water reform initiatives. However, we do recognise that these may not capture all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’
water interests and values and we welcome comments and questions so that we can continue to advocate for water rights and advise the
Australian Government to the best of our ability."