Expression of Interest

Interim Member – Treaty Authority

6-month term | Full-Time | Collingwood, Victoria | Attractive Salary

About the Treaty Authority

Led by First Peoples and grounded in Aboriginal Lore, Law and Cultural Authority, the Treaty Authority plays a critical role in supporting a fair, inclusive and transparent Treaty process.

It is independent of the State of Victoria and the First Peoples' representative body and is not a party to Treaty negotiations.

Its role includes

- ensuring parties follow the rules established for Treaty-making;
- assisting parties to reach agreements;
- helping to resolve disputes relating to Treaty-making; and
- undertaking research to support and inform Treaty negotiations.

About the Opportunity

This is a significant opportunity for a highly respected Victorian Traditional Owner to contribute to the work of the Treaty Authority during an important period for Treaty-making in Victoria.

The successful candidate will join the existing Treaty Authority Members for a six-month interim appointment, bringing senior leadership experience, cultural authority and sound judgement to the collective leadership of the Authority.

As a Member, you will contribute to the independent oversight and facilitation of Treaty-making in Victoria. This includes facilitating and overseeing Treaty negotiations, supporting the resolution of disputes, administering the rules and processes that underpin Treaty-making, and maintaining strong relationships across Traditional Owner communities, government and other stakeholders.

The role requires an individual who can operate with independence and impartiality while navigating complex cultural, community and government environments. You will work alongside the other Members and the Treaty Authority's senior team, contributing to both the Authority's functions and its broader organisational leadership.





The successful candidate is expected to be appointed in October 2026, subject to relevant approvals.

About You

You will be a highly respected Victorian Traditional Owner with the seniority, cultural authority, judgement and gravitas required to contribute effectively to the work of the Treaty Authority.

You will demonstrate

- significant senior executive or leadership experience;
- solid cultural authority and standing within community;
- a deep understanding of the Victorian Traditional Owner landscape;
- a strong understanding of government and the ability to navigate complex bureaucratic environments;
- highly developed negotiation, facilitation and relationship-building skills;
- experience leading and working with high-performing teams;
- the ability to bring people together and navigate complex or sensitive matters;
- impartiality, independence and sound judgement; and
- good character, courage and integrity, together with cultural knowledge, wisdom and humility.

Given the independence of the Treaty Authority, the successful candidate will be required to meet rigorous standards of impartiality and integrity and be free from actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest. The successful candidate will need to be available to undertake the appointment without holding other employment, board or external appointments during the six-month term.

Expression of Interest To express your interest, please provide:

- a current CV; and




- either a one-page written response or a video response of up to four minutes addressing the questions below.

1. What has prepared you for this responsibility?

Drawing on your experience, tell us about the experiences, responsibilities or perspectives that have most shaped the judgement you would bring to the role of Treaty Authority Member.
1. Tell us about a time when you have had to exercise judgement where there were competing cultural, community, organisational or public interests.

What did you take into account, and what guided your approach?
1. What would other Treaty Authority Members come to rely on you for?

Consider the particular contribution you would bring to the collective leadership of the Treaty Authority, and what your experience, perspective and way of working would add to the Members as a group. You do not need to address every aspect of the role or repeat information contained in your CV. We are interested in what you consider most important about the experience, judgement and contribution you would bring to the Treaty Authority.

There is no preference between a written or video response. Please choose the format that best allows you to express your interest.

Applications are to be submitted via the Pipeline Talent website. If submitting a video response, please email a private link to your video (via OneDrive, Google Drive, Vimeo or similar) to [email protected].

Expressions of Interest close at 11:59pm on Thursday, 10 September 2026.

Contact For a confidential discussion about the opportunity, please contact:

Lesina Gibbs-Manuatu

Deputy CEO, Pipeline Talent

0408 027 880 | [email protected]

Rachelle Towart

Managing Director, Pipeline Talent

0431 772 377 | [email protected]

Pipeline Talent is supporting the independent Treaty Authority Panel to conduct this recruitment process.

📌 Interim Member (Melbourne)
🏢 Treaty Authority
📍 Melbourne