Data Policy Partnership: Independent Representative EOI

Seeking Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives to the Data Policy Partnership under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

Closing on Wednesday, 20 April 2025

1. About the National Agreement

In July 2020, the Coalition of Peaks entered into a National Agreement on Closing the Gap with all Australian governments.

It includes commitments by governments to a range of actions to Close the Gap and is built around four Priority Reforms: partnerships based on shared decision-making; building our community-controlled sectors; transforming government organisations; and shared access to data and information. 

The Coalition of Peaks is made up of more than 80 national and state/territory Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled Peak and member organisations. We came together as an act of self-determination to work in partnership with governments on Closing the Gap.   

2. Data Policy Partnership

Under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, five policy partnerships have been established: Justice, Social and Emotional Wellbeing, Early Childhood Care and Development, Housing and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages.

In July 2024, the Joint Council on Closing the Gap agreed to the establishment of a Data Policy Partnership to accelerate progress on Priority Reform 4 – Shared access to data and information at a regional level.

The Data Policy Partnership will be co-chaired by NSW Coalition of Peaks Organisations (NSW CAPO) and a representative from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and will be established in the second half of 2025.

All Policy Partnerships are made up of ten (10) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parties. This includes five (5) from Coalition of Peaks organisations and five (5) independent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives, selected by the Coalition of Peaks in an open and transparent expression of interest process.

We are seeking expressions of interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals with the relevant experience and expertise to join the Data Policy Partnership. This partnership presents a unique opportunity to influence and drive policy change in the data sector.

3. Duties + responsibilities

Key duties of Independent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives to the Data Policy Partnership:  

  • Attend meetings with Coalition of Peaks and independent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives to determine if shared positions can be reached in the Policy Partnership

  • Work constructively with all parties to the Policy Partnership to share decision-making and improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

  • Identify opportunities to work more effectively across governments.

  • Agree to the priorities and workplan

  • Provide independent and expert input to the work of the Policy Partnership during meetings and by providing feedback on work out-of-session

  • Develop recommendations for action through the implementation approaches of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

  • Remain accountable to your communities

4. Selection criteria

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Independent Representatives must demonstrate:

  • Expertise and experience in the data sector. This could include data collection and management, research and ethics, analysis, information and communication technologies, data governance, or security and compliance measures.

  • An understanding of the principles of Data Sovereignty as they apply to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia.¹

  • An understanding of the Data needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities and Organisations.

¹ Maiam nayri Wingara. (2018). Maiam nayri Wingara Indigenous Data Sovereignty Principles.

5. How to apply

Here’s how to submit your Expression of Interest and be part of the process.

  1. Download the EOI form using the button below.

  2. Complete all sections of the form carefully.

  3. Email the completed form to secretariat@coalitionofpeaks.org.au by COB (AEST) Wednesday 30 April 2025.

Have questions or need support? Please contact the Secretariat at secretariat@coalitionofpeaks.org.au.