Advisory Group Member - Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program

Position Status: Initial period of up to 12 months
Position Type: Non-Ongoing (Contractor)
Location: Remote (Australia-wide across the Murray–Darling Basin)
Closing Date: 11pm on 12 November 2026
Hours: Up to 2 days per month, on average
Remuneration: $81.16 / hr – up to 30 days annually
  
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. 

About the Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is seeking applications from First Nations people across the Murray–Darling Basin (Basin) to join the Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program (program) Advisory Group.
  
The program is a landmark Australian Government initiative that will increase First Nations ownership of water in the Murray–Darling Basin through the purchase and management of $100 million in water entitlements. The program aims to deliver cultural, social, environmental, spiritual and economic benefits for Basin First Nations and responds to longstanding calls for greater recognition of First Nations water rights and self-determination in water management.
  
The Advisory Group forms part of the program’s Interim Governance arrangements and plays a critical role in ensuring policies, principles and protocols are culturally informed, transparent and aligned with the interests of Basin First Nations. Working alongside the department, the Advisory Group provides advice on the management and use of water entitlements and the transition to an enduring First Nations water holding mechanism.

The Opportunity

We are seeking First Nations leaders from across the Murray–Darling Basin to contribute their knowledge, experience and cultural leadership to the Advisory Group.
  
The group is designed to bring together a diverse mix of skills, perspectives and lived experiences, including:  

• Elders and emerging leaders
• Women and men
• Representation from northern and southern Basin communities
• Diverse professional, governance, cultural and water management expertise  

Members are appointed in their individual capacity and do not represent individual Nations, organisations, governments or other entities.
   
What You’ll Do

As a member of the Advisory Group, you will help shape key policies and governance arrangements that support the management and use of First Nations-owned water entitlements across the Basin.
  
This includes:  

• Providing culturally informed advice on water entitlement trading and management policies.
• Contributing to the development of governance, compliance, monitoring and reporting frameworks.
• Supporting the development of principles and policies that guide the transition to an enduring water holding mechanism.
• Applying cultural knowledge and water expertise to complex policy and program matters.
• Reviewing papers, policies and proposals between meetings.
• Contributing to engagement and communication activities when requested.
• Helping ensure program decisions promote long-term benefits for Basin First Nations.  

What We’re Looking For
 
To be considered, applicants must:  

• Identify as and be recognised as a Traditional Owner within the Murray–Darling Basin.
• Have strong place-based knowledge and connection to Country.
• Possess knowledge of Basin water issues, including cultural water values and broader water management arrangements.
• Have an understanding of Murray–Darling Basin water management arrangements, including the Basin Plan and Water Act 2007 (Cth), or the ability to quickly acquire this knowledge.
• Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively and constructively with diverse interested parties.  

Skills and Experience
 
We are seeking a mix of skills and capabilities across the Advisory Group, including:
  
Cultural Leadership

• Strong cultural knowledge and understanding of the Murray–Darling Basin and Traditional Owners' relationships with water and Country.
• A commitment to cultural safety, integrity and respectful collaboration.  

Water Knowledge

• Knowledge of water entitlements, water management, water markets, trading systems, hydrology or natural resource management.
• Understanding of cultural and western water management systems.  

Governance and Strategic Leadership

• Experience developing policies, programs, governance frameworks or strategic initiatives.
• Experience identifying risks, ensuring compliance and supporting accountability mechanisms.  

Professional Conduct

• Strong communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership, integrity and sound judgement.
• Experience working collaboratively in complex environments.  

Highly Regarded
 
Experience, qualifications or expertise in one or more of the following areas will be highly regarded:  

• Water entitlement management or water investment programs.
• Governance, board or advisory committee experience.
• Law and/or customary lore.
• Financial management or fund oversight.
• Community representation and strategic decision-making roles.
• Business management or organisational leadership.  

Meeting Commitments
 
Members are expected to contribute up to two days per month on average, including attendance at meetings and the review of papers and proposals between meetings.
  
Composed of:

• Monthly online meetings.
• Quarterly face-to-face meetings, including some on-Country meetings across the Basin.
• Policy review sessions and document consideration between meetings as required.  

Travel costs for approved meetings and activities will be covered in accordance with departmental arrangements.
 
How to Apply

To apply, please provide:  

1. A statement of claims addressing the required knowledge, experience, skills and capabilities. This may be submitted as either:

• A written statement (maximum 750 words); or
• A video or audio recording (maximum 5 minutes).

Your current resume/CV. Contact details for two referees. Information about:

• Your connection to the Murray–Darling Basin.
• Your Mob and Country.
• Whether you identify as an Elder or emerging leader.
• Your gender.
• The Basin state(s) or territory in which you reside.  

If successful, you will be required to complete a police check as part of the appointment process.
  
Applications should be submitted via email to recruitment.gps@firstgrade.com.au by 11:00pm 12 November 2026.

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 Rosalyn Lacabe at First Grade Recruitment on recruitment.gps@firstgrade.com.au or visit https://www.dcceew.gov.au/water/policy/first-nations/aboriginal-water-entitlements-program/interim-governance