NIAA welcomes Joshua Smith as Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Policy and Programs

The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Joshua Smith as Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Policy and Programs.

A proud Dunghutti man with family connections to Yuin Country, Mr Smith brings extensive leadership experience across public policy, organisational reform and First Nations policy and program design.

Mr Smith joins the agency following a career spanning law, government and advisory leadership. He has practised as a solicitor and held senior executive roles across justice, health and human services, including serving as Executive Director of Aboriginal Victoria.

He is widely recognised for his contribution to major reform initiatives, including work on treaty, justice reform and strategies to strengthen the Aboriginal community-controlled sector. His experience also includes developing significant policy and business case work for national First Nations institutions and advising on system-wide change.

The appointment reflects the NIAA’s continued focus on strong leadership to help shape policies and programs that improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Mr Smith’s background in First Nations policy, social reform and executive leadership will strongly support the agency’s work across government and with communities, organisations and stakeholders nationally.