‘There’s a very big focus and significance in cultural competency at the Agency. We learn about other people and other cultures and through that we also learn about ourselves and our own perspectives and I think that’s really important.’ – Tamika, 2021 NIAA Graduate

We are a relatively new agency, established in 2019, but we have a long history. We’re part of the Prime Minister and Cabinet portfolio and work to support the Minister for Indigenous Australians.

Our key priorities include:

• supporting economic recovery post COVID-19 by focussing on supporting Indigenous jobs and businesses
• implementing the Commonwealth’s commitments as outlined in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap
• working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to ensure engagement with a wide range of stakeholders
• progressing an Indigenous Voice to Parliament and Government
• leading the Indigenous Procurement Policy
• many other initiatives to improve mental health, youth suicide prevention, community safety, education and employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Our Team

NIAA is very unique. We work end to end, from policy development to delivery.

Our staff are spread across Australia – in urban, regional and remote locations.

We come from a vast array of backgrounds and have a wide variety of skills.

We are an inclusive agency and welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates, especially Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The work you will do

As an NIAA Graduate, you will have the opportunity to work across the Agency to build your understanding of the Government’s key priorities relating to Indigenous Affairs.

You will be involved in complex and fulfilling work at the forefront of Indigenous Affairs, including important initiatives such as the Indigenous Voice and the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

You will help develop, implement and evaluate policies and programs while working closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, state and territory governments and Indigenous organisations to make sure the policies and programs address the individual needs of each community.

You will provide advice to the Minister for Indigenous Australians on issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Professional development

Professional development is a key feature of the NIAA Graduate Program and throughout the program you will develop capabilities that will contribute to the rest of your career.

You will have the opportunity to undertake a continuous cultural learning journey through NIAA’s Footprints Program to increase your cross-cultural knowledge including continuous learnings in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, peoples and histories.  

There are also many training courses that you can access as an NIAA Graduate including Writing for the Australian Public Service, resilience training, Indigenous Affairs policy, stakeholder management and problem-solving.

What we offer

‘I have been really pleasantly surprised to see just how supportive all the supervisors, managers and just colleagues that I’ve had in this agency have been. They’ve definitely had my best interests at heart. They also are willing to give you opportunities to prove yourself, to learn. That level of support has come through in every team I’ve been in so far.’ - Oliver, 2021 NIAA Graduate

The NIAA is a flexible, diverse and inclusive workplace with attractive remuneration packages, including generous employer superannuation contributions.

Our graduates start as full-time, permanent employees at the APS 3 level. After six months, you may be eligible to advance to the APS 4 level. On successful completion of the program, you will have the opportunity to be assessed for advancement to the APS 5 and APS 6 level.

The NIAA also offers relocation assistance to successful candidates.

Salary

*Correct as at February 2022 under the National Indigenous Australians Agency Enterprise Agreement 2021-24