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ADVOCACY FOR the outdoors
The Outdoor Council of Australia (OCA) advocates for a stronger, safer, more inclusive and better recognised Outdoor Industry nationwide. As the national peak body, OCA brings together outdoor education, outdoor recreation, adventure tourism, nature-based wellbeing and supporting services to provide a united voice on the issues that matter most to our industry and the communities we serve. Our advocacy is grounded in evidence, informed by members across Australia, and focused on practical policy outcomes that strengthen participation, safety, workforce capability and national coordination.
OCA advocates through national leadership, member engagement, evidence-based submissions, standards stewardship, strategic partnerships and ongoing dialogue with government and key stakeholders. We work to ensure that policy settings support safe participation, healthier communities, stronger organisations and a more connected Outdoor Industry across Australia.
Our advocacy priorities
Responsible access to the outdoors
We advocate for inclusive, responsible and equitable access to outdoor spaces across Australia. We believe access to outdoor experiences supports healthier communities, stronger social connection and lifelong participation in outdoor activity.
Outdoor education and youth wellbeing
We champion outdoor education as an essential contributor to resilience, engagement, attendance, behaviour and youth wellbeing. OCA advocates for greater support for outdoor learning opportunities that give young Australians safe, healthy and meaningful ways to connect with each other, their communities and the natural environment.
Workforce development and leadership
A capable, diverse and sustainable workforce underpins the future of the Outdoor Industry. OCA advocates for workforce development, leadership pathways, inclusion and practical solutions that help attract, support and retain skilled people across the industry.
Recognition in national policy
OCA advocates for the Outdoor Industry to be properly recognised in national policy across health, education, sport, environment, tourism and youth portfolios. The industry contributes significant economic, social and community value, and deserves a clear place in national planning and investment.
Safety, responsibility and risk management
OCA advocates for a strong national culture of safety, responsibility and risk awareness across the Outdoor Industry. As steward of the Australian Adventure Activity Standards, we support nationally relevant guidance, continuous improvement and practical systems that help organisations deliver safe, high-quality outdoor experiences.
Equity, inclusion and representation
Outdoor experiences should be available to all. OCA advocates for greater inclusion of underrepresented communities, stronger First Nations engagement and more equitable participation pathways so that the Outdoor Industry better reflects and serves the diversity of Australia.
Preventive health WITH recreation
Outdoor participation is a powerful, low-cost way to improve physical activity, mental wellbeing and community health. OCA advocates for investment in outdoor recreation and outdoor learning as practical solutions to sedentary behaviour, social disconnection and growing pressure on health systems.
Industry data, evidence and informed decision-making
Strong advocacy needs strong evidence. OCA works to improve the collection, coordination and sharing of industry data, research and metrics so that governments, stakeholders and the industry itself can make informed, evidence-based decisions.
A united national
voice
OCA exists to unify and represent the Outdoor Industry nationally. We work across states, territories, member organisations and sectors to identify shared priorities, respond to emerging issues and ensure the Outdoor Industry is heard where national decisions are made.