Overview
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Workplace 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
We are seeking applications from First Nations individuals in the Murray-Darling Basin to join the Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program (the program) Advisory Group.
The successful candidates will undertake work that contributes to the management and implementation of the program.
You will play a vital role in ensuring policies are culturally appropriate and informed for the Directorate to procure and manage water entitlements purchased by the program.
In your role, you will be required to:
- Provide input and advice on the development of purchasing and trading policies for the program, such as market sensitivity, probity, compliance, reporting, etc.
- Provide culturally informed advice to the Directorate.
- Provide input and advice on the development of policies guiding the transition of purchased water entitlements to the enduring water holding mechanism under the program.
- Analyse complex information to provide written and verbal briefings and advice to the program Directorate.
- Undertake complex analysis and interpretation, applying significant judgment when providing advice.
- Review policies, papers and processes out of session.
Demonstrate behaviours:
- Maintain independence when providing advice on the program.
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with the program Directorate and relevant areas of the department to make informed decisions in the best interest of Basin First Nations within the scope of the program.
- Exemplify a high level of resilience, responsibility, accountability, and personal integrity.
- Work with the department to achieve balanced and informed decisions.
Key Skills, Experience and Qualifications
In addition to identifying and being accepted as a Traditional owner in the Basin, and having place-based knowledge, you will have the following:
- Knowledge of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, the Water Act 2007 (Cth) and broader water issues impacting First Nations Peoples in the Basin.
- Traditional and/or cultural ecological knowledge, cultural values, and values associated with water.
- A collaborative mindset, with demonstrated experience building and maintaining strong relationships to positively influence the achievement of results.
Desirable:
Experience, knowledge, and qualifications in a relevant field in at least one of the following areas:
- Experience in managing a fund or water entitlement program.
- Law and/ or customary lore: expertise in law and/ or customary lore, demonstrating a solid foundation in legal frameworks and traditional knowledge systems.
- Community representation/ delegation: experience in board and/ or committee membership, strategic decision-making, and understanding of organisational governance structures.
How to Apply
To apply, you will need to provide the following:
- A statement of claims, addressing the knowledge and experience; skills and capabilities; and desirable criteria where applicable.
Statement of claims may be submitted as:
- Written application – no more than 750 words
- Recorded application (video or voice memo) – no more than 5 minutes long
- Attach your current resume/CV and contact details of two referees.
- Applicants should describe their connection to the Basin, their Mob/Country
- Identify your gender, and whether you identify as an emerging leader or an Elder
- Identify which state(s) you reside in
Submit your application via this job portal or directly to by 11pm (AEST) on Friday 24 October 2025.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview with the independent Indigenous recruitment agency, up to two Australian Government senior executive staff, and a First Nations representative.
Further Information
For further information, including to obtain a copy of the formal position description, the Advisory Group Terms of Reference, or further information on the Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program, please contact Dan Wilson or Debra Kightley at First Grade Recruitment on or visit
Location
Albury, Albury Area NSW
Directorate - Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program
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Required Skill Profession
Art & Culture
📌 Advisory Group Members Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program
🏢 First Grade Recruitment
📍 City of Albury