Overview
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has established interim governance arrangements to support delivery of the Murray—Darling Basin Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program. The interim governance arrangement supports the purchase of $100 million of water entitlements to increase water ownership for First Nations Peoples in the Murray—Darling Basin.
The interim governance functions include an Advisory Group and Directorate made up of Basin First Nations Peoples. These functions are essential for informed decision-making regarding procuring and managing water entitlements. The Advisory Group consists of up to nine diverse members, including Elders, emerging leaders, and jurisdictional representatives, ensuring gender and regional balance from both the northern and southern Basin. They help develop policies and protocols to support the Directorate's decisions until the water portfolio and remaining funds are transferred to a permanent water holding mechanism. Overall, this governance structure guides water entitlement decisions in the best interests of Basin First Nations.
The Role
As part of the program Directorate, you will oversee the strategic direction and commercial and purchasing decision‑making of the Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program. You will be acting in the best interests of Basin First Nations Peoples and are responsible for implementing and managing the purchasing and temporary trading phase of the program. Directors will be chosen for their expertise and ability to meet technical requirements/criteria. Directors will not speak on behalf of their own Nation or state or territory government.
Applicants must be accepted as a Traditional Owner in the Basin and have place-based knowledge of either the northern or southern Basin, as well as experience navigating the water market. This includes procuring water entitlements and trading allocations. Your previous experience within board and governance, as well as your comprehensive understanding of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and the Water Act 2007, will stand you in valuable stead to make a valuable contribution.
In your role, you will be required to:
- Oversee the strategic direction of the program by procuring and managing the water investment portfolio in line with Basin First Nations expectations and aspirations as set out in the interim policies, protocols, and principles developed by the program's Advisory Group.
- Contribute to the final decisions regarding the commercial and purchasing decisions of the water investment portfolio.
- Analyze information to deliver written and verbal briefings, and provide advice to the department, the Advisory Group, Basin First Nations, and the Australian Government minister responsible for water.
- Conduct complex analysis and interpretation, applying sound judgment in decision-making — for example, preparing valuation reports for proposed acquisitions.
- Mentor Associate Directors through regular check-ins, guidance on key decisions, and inclusive participation in governance processes and commercial decision-making.
- Commit to exemplifying a high level of resilience, responsibility, accountability, and personal integrity.
- Maintain independence when making decisions for the program.
- Work with departmental program advisors to achieve balanced and informed decisions.
- Actively support the Associate Directors in building the technical, strategic, and cultural capabilities necessary for future leadership in water governance.
- Adhere to the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act).
- Travel as required to attend meetings and face-to-face consultation.
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with the program Advisory Group and relevant areas of the department to make informed decisions in the best interest of Basin First Nations when purchasing and managing the water investment portfolio.
Key Skills and Qualifications
In addition to being accepted as a Traditional Owner in the Basin, applicants need to demonstrate skills and expertise in the following areas:
- Experience navigating the water market
- An ability to consult and negotiate sensitively and effectively with a broad range of stakeholders
- An understanding of your audience and ability to tailor your communication style to suit
- Industry-specific knowledge within water entitlement allocation
- Financial acumen
- Probity, risk and compliance
- Strong stewardship
While not essential, experience, knowledge, or qualifications within law or customary lore, demonstrating a solid foundation in legal frameworks and traditional knowledge systems would be beneficial.
How to Apply
To apply, you will need to provide the following:
- A statement of claims (limited to 1-2 pages), addressing the skills and capabilities, with a specific reference to the following criteria:
- Identification and acceptance as a First Nations person with place-based knowledge of the Basin.
- Experience navigating the water market, demonstrating expertise in procuring water entitlements, trading, and leasing allocations.
- Experience in board and governance, highlighting leadership skills, strategic decision-making, governance, risk management, and compliance.
- Experience in financial and investment in water related matters.
- Comprehensive understanding of the legislative framework of the Murray–Darling Basin Plan and the Water Act 2007 (Cth).
- Attach your current resume/CV and contact details of two referees.
Submit your application by 11pm (AEST) on Friday 24 October 2025. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview with the independent Indigenous recruitment agency and Australian Government First Nations senior executive staff.
Affirmative Measure The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975. This vacancy is only available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
Further Information For further information, including to obtain a copy of the formal position description, the Directorate Terms of Reference, or further information on the Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program, please contact Dan Wilson or Debra Kightley at First Grade Recruitment by email at or visit the site at
Note
This description does not constitute a binding offer or guarantee of employment. The information is subject to change based on government policy and program needs.
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📌 Directorate - Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program
🏢 First Grade Recruitment
📍 Toowoomba Regional