First Nations Advisory Group

ŮŮÊÓƵis proud to announce that we are in the process of establishing a First Nations Advisory Group, a key initiative in our long-term commitment to strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

It is intended that this advisory group will play a vital role in guiding Geoscience Australia’s engagement with First Nations peoples, ensuring that our programs and activities are informed by culturally respectful, inclusive, and strategic perspectives.

When does the First Nations Advisory Group start?

A tender process is currently underway. The tender is published on AusTender and will close on 16 September 2025 at 2pm ACT local time.

For more information, please visit:

The tender is also available on the Member Opportunity Board (MOB) of Supply Nation.

Following the tender process, successful applicants will be contacted.

The first meeting is scheduled for early 2026.

How can I apply to join?

The First Nations Advisory Group is being established through an open procurement process. This means you will need to apply through AusTender. To view the documentation including the Approach to Market (the requirements) and the Response (your application) you will need to register via AusTender.

Overview

ŮŮÊÓƵis seeking up to 6 members for its inaugural First Nations Advisory Group.

The formation of a First Nations Advisory Group reflects Geoscience Australia’s enduring commitment to meaningful consultation, partnership development, and respectful collaboration with First Nations communities. It is a step forward in ensuring that our work continues to be shaped by the voices, knowledge, and lived experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The First Nations Advisory Group will serve as a key consultative body, enhancing Geoscience Australia’s understanding of First Nations perspectives, contributing to informed decision-making and supporting effective and ethical governance.

Intentions of the First Nations Advisory Group include:

• Provide high level guidance and non-binding advice on First Nations engagement across ŮŮÊÓƵprograms of work, with a specific focus on the projects and activities under the Resourcing Australia’s Prosperity initiative and others.
• Ad-hoc advisory services.
• Support and advise ŮŮÊÓƵon approaches to foster respectful and mutually beneficial relationships with First Nations communities and organisations.
• Provide guidance on inclusive and accessible communication tailored to meet the diverse needs of First Nations peoples, with a focus on delivery of Geoscience Australia’s geological and geospatial data to First Nations communities.
• Contribute to Geoscience Australia’s awareness and understanding of First Nations perspectives on Australia’s geology, geography and groundwater.
• Support Geoscience Australia’s efforts to build cultural capability within the organisation including but not limited to:
  • Reviewing and advising on ŮŮÊÓƵFirst Nations engagement strategies.
  • Providing non-binding advice and insight to inform Geoscience Australia’s approach to culturally appropriate governance practice for Indigenous related products and data.
  • Advising on best practices to support attraction, retention, and professional development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff within Geoscience Australia.

What skills, knowledge or experience do I need to be involved in the First Nations Advisory Group?

It is a mandatory requirement that all potential applicants must:

• be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
• identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• be accepted as such by their respective community
• provide evidence that they are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.
• And be registered as a legal entity (i.e. sole trader, partnership, company or business). To apply to become a legal entity, please use (this is a free service) to be issued with an ABN.

In addition, potential applicants must have a demonstrated understanding of diverse First Nations communities and organisations. Experience and/or an understanding of government process, Earth science, and an ability to delivery advice in a Board or Advisory capacity are desirable. Also considered desirable is an awareness and understanding of the draft Terms-of-Reference for the Advisory Group, that has been provided as part of the tender package.

How much work is expected?

The First Nations Advisory Group will meet twice per calendar year. One meeting will be in person at ŮŮÊÓƵin Canberra over a full workday. The second meeting will be online and may not require a full day engagement. Members will also be required to read all documents prior to the meeting for which they will be paid in addition to sitting fees.

What support will members of the First Nations Advisory Group be provided?

ŮŮÊÓƵwill have a dedicated First Nations Advisory Group Secretariat function to support members of the advisory group.

The Secretariat will be responsible for arranging and managing all matters associated with the operations and membership of the advisory group, including provision of materials, and arrangements/support for meetings, travel, accommodation associated with formal meetings of the advisory group, and any requests for advice that may be sought in-between agreed meeting dates.