Board members: Northern Australian Infrastructure Facility (NAIF)
Context
The Australian Government is seeking candidates for upcoming vacancies on the Board of the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF). The terms of the Chair and four current members expire in mid to late 2026, and current members may apply for a further term.
The NAIF is a $7 billion government Specialist Investment Vehicle established in 2016, designed to meet the unique needs of the north and drive economic growth by providing concessional financing to infrastructure projects. It has specialist expertise in investing in the north and the sectors that will drive the north's economic prosperity.
NAIF can finance projects across northern Australia, including the Northern Territory, those parts of Queensland and Western Australia above the Tropic of Capricorn, and the Indian Ocean Territories.
NAIF's operations are governed by the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Act 2016 (the NAIF Act) and the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Investment Mandate Direction 2023 (Investment Mandate). NAIF investment decisions are made by an independent, skills‐based Board and are informed by the project's alignment with mandatory criteria and NAIF's investment requirements.
The Government seeks to ensure that the composition of the NAIF Board is optimal to support its priorities, including an appropriate mix of skills, geographic representation and gender. The Government is committed to conducting an open and transparent merit‐based selection process. This pack contains information on the requirements of the roles for candidates.
Applications close 10am Friday 22 May 2026.
Applications must be submitted via naif.directorsaustralia.com.au by the closing date. Applications received outside this portal or after the deadline may not be considered.
About NAIF
As the Australian Government's flagship financing agency in the north, the NAIF is dedicated to delivering economic and social growth in northern Australia. It positions NAIF as a proactive responder to the challenges faced by the region, emphasising its role in providing financial support and facilitating the necessary investment to unlock the north's potential.
NAIF's investments stimulate economic growth by attracting private investment, fostering infrastructure development and supporting various industries, contributing to the region's overall prosperity.
NAIF collaborates closely with the governments of the Northern Territory, Queensland, and Western Australia to invest in projects that support the future growth of northern Australia. This partnership approach ensures responsible investment based on evidence and aligns with long‐term development goals.
NAIF's head office in Cairns allows the CEO and Executive to develop strong relationships across northern Australia. It also has small offices in Darwin, Townsville, Perth, Sydney and Brisbane.
NAIF has around 50 staff in total.
NAIF has committed $4.5 billion in loans across 34 projects ranging from large‐scale resource and energy developments to social infrastructure, including universities, airport upgrades, agriculture and aquaculture developments.
As of 31 March 2026, the NAIF is supporting 34 projects (underpinned by 39 investment decisions) including:
* 15 in Queensland, totalling around $1.8 billion
* 10 in Western Australia, totalling around $1.7 billion
* 9 in the Northern Territory, totalling around $1.0 billion
These investments are forecast to generate approximately $33 billion in economic benefit and support thousands of jobs across northern Australia. Further information on NAIF's investments and operations can be found on its website.
Investment mandate
The Minister for Northern Australia and Minister for Finance will issue an updated Investment Mandate for the NAIF from time to time. The Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Investment Mandate Direction 2023 provides direction to the Board in relation to the performance of the NAIF functions.
NAIF's Investment Mandate focuses on projects that deliver public benefit, Indigenous outcomes and contribute to the sustainable growth of the region.
The NAIF Board is responsible for making investment decisions independently of the Commonwealth, subject only to ministerial oversight set out in Section 11 of the NAIF Act.
The NAIF will fill gaps in the infrastructure financing market by providing financial assistance for projects that produce benefits to the region. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to repay a debt investment or deliver a positive return on an equity investment, and the NAIF will only provide a concession on debt when necessary to ensure project proceeds.
Board appointment process
At the conclusion of the Board recruitment process, the Minister will consider a recommended list of candidates. All NAIF Board appointments, including the Chair, are appointed by the Minister for Northern Australia following approval by the Prime Minister and, at his discretion, Cabinet (Section 114 of the Cabinet Handbook).
Potential appointees are initially approached only to determine:
* Willingness to be put forward for consideration alongside other candidates
* Whether, if selected, there would be any conflicts of interest in accordance with government requirements
Under the NAIF Act, the Minister appoints board members by written instrument. Each member is appointed on a part‐time basis for a period not exceeding three years, with the possibility of re‐appointment.
Legislated skills and experience requirements
The NAIF Act requires the Chair and members to have experience or expertise in one or more of the following fields:
* Banking and finance
* Private equity or lending or provision of credit
* Economics
* Infrastructure planning and financing
* Engineering
* Government funding programmes or bodies
* Financial accounting or auditing
* Law
* Economic development for Indigenous communities
Highly desirable skills and experience include:
* Experience in finance and risk, law, and economic development for Indigenous communities
* Residence in or close connection to a northern Australian jurisdiction
* Construction and major project delivery experience, including large‐scale, long‐cycle and complex infrastructure projects in northern or remote environments
* Expertise in mining operations and engineering, including critical minerals and resources‐related infrastructure development and markets
* Expertise in agriculture and agribusiness, particularly large‐scale production, supply chains or enabling infrastructure
* Expertise in finance, investment and the application of scientific or technical research
* Expertise in technological change, including cyber security and artificial intelligence, particularly as it relates to infrastructure investment, resilience and risk
* High level of First Nations cultural competency, including experience working with and supporting the development of First Nations communities or organisations
* Expertise in the priority sectors identified in the Investment Mandate, and a demonstrated interest or passion for the mission of the NAIF
For the Chair, the following is also highly desirable:
* Strong connectedness across northern Australia and demonstrated capability in building trusted relationships with regional stakeholders, industry, First Nations organisations and local communities
A detailed position description is available at https://naif.directorsaustralia.com/
How to apply
Applicants are requested to complete an online application form and upload a current resume (maximum three pages) and covering letter (one page) addressing the key selection criteria via https://naif.directorsaustralia.com/
For further information, contact Vanessa Jolly at vanessa.jolly@directorsaustralia.com.
Further information about NAIF can be found at https://www.naif.gov.au/
Applications close 10am Friday 22 May 2026.
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