National Native Title Tribunal Full-time Member

About the National Native Title Tribunal

The National Native Title Tribunal (the Tribunal) is a national independent statutory body constituted under the Native Title Act 1993 (the Act). The Tribunal is comprised of the President and Members.

The Tribunal has a range of functions under the Act. Members are required to work closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as well as non-Indigenous parties in carrying out the functions of the Tribunal. The principal work of the Tribunal involves mediating and arbitrating in relation to certain proposed future acts (such as the grant of mining leases). The Tribunal also assists with promoting agreement between registered native title body corporates and native title holders about matters relating to native title.

The Tribunal also assists parties wishing to make Indigenous Land Use Agreements to negotiate these agreements, as well as mediating native title claims referred to the Tribunal by the Federal Court of Australia. Members may also be required to conduct inquiries into issues connected with native title claims and contribute to community liaison and education around native title.

The Tribunal has offices in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns. This position will be located in Perth.

Find out more about the Tribunal

Role of Members

Members of the Tribunal are appointed by the Governor-General under section 111 of the Act. Members perform the functions set out under section 108 of the Act, and may also be required to conduct inquiries into issues associated with native title claims, and contribute to community liaison and education about native title. Members have a range of skills and qualifications to effectively perform the role. Their fields of professional experience include law, government, public policy, non-government organisations, academia and the private sector.

Eligibility

Section 110 of the Act provides that to be eligible for appointment as a Member of the Tribunal a person (other than a Judge or a former Judge) must have special knowledge about:

  1. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander societies; or
  2. land management; or
  3. dispute resolution; or
  4. any other class of matters considered by the Governor-General to have substantive relevance to the duties of a Member.

Section 110 of the Act also provides that a person is eligible for appointment as a Member of the Tribunal if the person is an assessor of the Federal Court of Australia or a Member of a recognised State/Territory body, as defined by the Act.

Selection criteria

Applicants will be leaders, with the ability to work with and provide professional support to the President and other Members.

In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria under section 110 of the Act (set out above), to be successful in the role you will need to:

  • demonstrate knowledge, understanding or experience of the Act (including the future acts regime under the Act) to effectively perform the statutory functions of a Member of the Tribunal
  • meet the following selection criteria consistent with the APSC Merit and Transparency Guidelines for APS statutory office holder appointments:
    • Shapes strategic thinking
      • Inspires a sense of purpose and direction
      • Focuses strategically
      • Harnesses information and opportunities
      • Shows judgement, intelligence and common sense
    • Achieves results
      • Builds organisational capability and responsiveness
      • Marshals professional expertise
      • Steers and implements change and deals with uncertainty
      • Ensures closure and delivers on intended results
    • Cultivates productive working relationships
      • Nurtures internal and external relationships
      • Facilitates cooperation and partnerships
      • Values individual differences and diversity
      • Guides, mentors and develops people
    • Exemplifies personal drive and integrity
      • Demonstrates professionalism and probity
      • Engages with risk and shows personal courage
      • Commits to action
      • Displays resilience
      • Demonstrates self-awareness and a commitment to personal development
    • Communicates with influence.
      • Communicates clearly
      • Listens, understands and adapts to audience
      • Negotiates persuasively

The following skills and qualifications are also desirable:

  • a degree in law from an Australian tertiary institution or a comparable overseas qualification which, in the opinion of the Assessment Panel, is appropriate to the duties of the office, and/or
  • experience in dispute resolution, including mediation and/or arbitration, and/or
  • an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and an ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

People who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander are strongly encouraged to apply.

Terms and conditions

This is a full-time appointment for a term of up to 5 years with the Act providing for reappointment. The location for this position will be Perth.

Remuneration and allowances for the position are set by the Remuneration Tribunal. Remuneration Tribunal (Judicial and Related Offices – Remuneration and Allowances) Determination 2025 can be viewed at Judicial & Related Offices.

How to apply

Apply using the online application form. Applications must include:

  • an indication of whether you meet the eligibility criteria for this statutory appointment
  • a completed statement of claims (2000-word limit) against the eligibility and selection criteria
  • an uploaded curriculum vitae of no longer than 4 pages outlining your qualifications, knowledge or experience
  • the names and contact details of at least 2 referees who have direct and relevant experience of your work. You will be notified prior to referees being contacted.

Applicants are encouraged to request reasonable adjustment as required to assist participation in this recruitment process.

Applications close at 5:00 pm (AEDT) on Friday, 10 October 2025

Assessment process

Applicants will be initially assessed by a panel on their written application. Shortlisted applicants will be further assessed by the panel at interview, and referees contacted.

Communication

Applicants will receive initial advice and communication by email. Please ensure the email address you provide is correct. We recommend you use an email address that ensures you do not miss relevant updates or invitations – and please regularly check your junk or spam folders.

Contact

For enquiries about the position, or the application process, email appointments@ag.gov.au.