The Australian Government is inviting suitably qualified applicants to be considered for the upcoming Chair of the Board vacancy, with the position to commence in January 2027.

Salary: Remuneration and allowance are set by the Remuneration Tribunal, Remuneration Tribunal (Remuneration and Allowances for Holders of Part time Public Office) Determination 2026.

This position is Canberra-based. Due to the nature of the role and its requirements, the successful candidate will be required to work from Canberra. Vacancy is Non-Ongoing for a period of up to 5 years.

About the National Capital Authority and its Board The National Capital Authority (NCA), established in 1989, is an independent statutory authority established under the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988 (the PALM Act). Its role is to secure the planning and development of Canberra as the National Capital, ensuring its function as the seat of government, a centre for national and cultural life, and a place for public enjoyment. Its core responsibilities include preparing and administering the national Capital Plan, managing and enhancing nationally significant public land and assets, approving work in designated areas, and promoting understanding and appreciation of Canberra as Australia’s National Capital.

The NCA Board is the Authority’s governing body and accountable authority under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act). It comprises a Chair, Chief Executive and three other members appointed by the Governor-General. The Board provides strategic leadership and oversight of the NCA’s governance, performance, financial management, risk management and statutory functions, including planning, asset stewardship and major project approvals.

Key functions of the Board include setting the strategic direction of the NCA through the Corporate Plan; establish and monitor performance measures; oversee risk management and financial governance; ensure compliance with relevant legislation; approve works and major projects and provide oversight on how the NCA delivers its statutory functions, including planning, asset stewardship and public engagement.

The key strategic objectives of the NCA are:

- People – enabling Australians and visitors to celebrate and share the story of our nation through Canberra, our National Capital
- Place – excellence in the care and custodianship of the National Capital’s special and symbolic places
- Plan – strategic planning and oversight of the places and spaces of national importance in Canberra

The Board meets 6 times per annum and maintains a governance framework that supports transparency, accountability and continuous review of its own performance and that of the NCA.

The NCA operates within the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts portfolio (the department) and is responsible to the Hon Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories.

The opportunity available The Chair leads the NCA’s Board as its presiding member, providing strong strategic leadership and oversight of the NCA’s statutory functions under the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988 (the PALM Act) and the Authority Charter. Working closely with the Chief Executive, they support the implementation of Board decisions, engage with stakeholders at senior levels, including with Ministers and government agencies, and ensures effective administration of the National Capital Plan and related policies, organisational performance, and compliance.

Key duties include

- Provide leadership to the Board of the NCA, ensuring it fulfils its functions under the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988 (the PALM Act).




- Preside over Board meetings, setting agendas with the Chief Executive, facilitating effective, well-informed deliberations and decisions.
- Ensure the NCA as the accountable authority under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act), meets its statutory obligations for financial management, risk oversight and performance reporting.
- Guide the Board’s focus on strategic priorities, including administration of the National Capital Plan, stewardship of nationally significant land and assets, and ensure decisions reflect the promotion and significance of Canberra as the National Capital.
- Foster a culture of integrity, accountability and transparency
- Support and oversee the Chief Executive in implementing Board decisions and delivering on the NCA’s Corporate Plan and priorities.
- Maintain strong working relationships with the responsible Minister, the department, other government agencies and key stakeholders.
- Represent the NCA publicly, where appropriate, advancing its functions and enhancing understanding of its role.
- Ensure the Board regularly reviews its own performance, the governance framework and the effectiveness of its committees.

Who are we looking for?

To be considered for the Chair position, you will have previously held a senior executive or eminent position, where you demonstrated a commitment to the highest standards of governance and personal and qualified integrity.

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate;

Strategic Leadership and Governance

- Ability to provide high-level strategic leadership in a complex statutory, policy or governance setting, including in environments subject to political, regulatory or public scrutiny.
- Proven experience in leading boards or governing bodies, setting strategic direction and overseeing organisational performance, risk and accountability frameworks.
- Appreciation of the national significance of Canberra as Australia’s capital, with a commitment to protecting and promoting its role, heritage and identity.
- Experience in building consensus and influencing strategic decisions within a diverse group of stakeholders or Board members.
- Track record of acting in the best interests of an organisation, balancing stakeholder needs with long-term sustainability and risk management.
- Demonstrated capacity to exercise independent judgement, objectivity, integrity and critical thinking in Board deliberations.
- Proven ability to analyse complex information and make evidence-based decisions aligned with strategic priorities and long-term organisational interests.
- Willingness to challenge views, ask difficult questions and contribute alternative perspectives within a constructive governance framework.
- Experience contributing to robust decision-making while balancing independence with collective Board accountability.

Application of statutory or governance frameworks

- Strong understanding of statutory and governance responsibilities under the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988 (the PALM Act) and the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act).
- Capacity to ensure compliance with relevant legislation, accountability standards and sound corporate governance practices
- Demonstrated adaptability and resilience in navigating ambiguity, shifting priorities and emerging challenges
- Experience navigating complex stakeholder landscapes,



including government, community industry and regulatory bodies, navigating competing priorities.

Stakeholder engagement and representation

- Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with Ministers, senior officials, stakeholders and the community, representing the NCA with integrity and credibility.
- Proven capacity to manage complex relationships in politically, culturally and publicly sensitive environments.
- Understanding of stakeholder dynamics and the ability to navigate competing interests in a way that upholds the NCA’s values and public trust.
- Experience representing an organisation or Board in formal and informal settings, including advocacy, consultation or public forums.

Integrity, Accountability and Transparency

- Demonstrates high standards of personal integrity, ethical conduct, impartiality and professionalism.
- Promotes a culture of respect and responsible decision making across the NCA.
- Strong ethical standards, including the ability to manage conflicts of interest and remain free from external influence.

Communication and influence

- Highly developed communication, negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to foster collaborative and constructive board discussions.
- Ability to articulate strategic priorities and complex issues with clarity, to a wide range of audiences, including media.

Eligibility requirements

- Citizenship: Candidates must be an Australian citizen to be eligible for these roles.
- Security Clearance: The successful candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at Negative Vetting 1. You must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information. You must have lived in Australia, or have a checkable background, for at least the preceding five years for Baseline Vetting clearances. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.
- National Police check: The successful candidate must satisfactory complete an Australian Federal Police criminal history check.
- Integrity and Suitability check: The successful candidate must demonstrate integrity and suitability standards expected of trusted public positions, including meeting comprehensive checks covering background, character, socials, and financial assessments, and the management of any actual or perceived conflicts of interest.
- Qualifications: Tertiary qualifications in public policy and administration, law, urban and regional planning or a relevant field and/or equivalent experience is desirable.

How to apply

Applications for this opportunity close at 11.30pm AEST, Wednesday 16 September 2026.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts as the responsible portfolio agency for these Appointments, will oversee and conduct the appointments process.

To apply for the NCA Board Chair position you will need to provide;

- An Expression of Interest in PDF format, no more than 3 pages, demonstrating your professional experience relevant to the key duties of the role and who we are looking for.
- A copy of your Curriculum Vitae (CV) of no more than 4 pages.

Applications that do not demonstrate the criteria outlined above may not progress for consideration at shortlisting stage.

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to attend an online panel interview and assessment and may be asked to undergo psychometric assessments.

For further information and to apply, visit www.beaumontandbeaumont.com.au/11779

If you experience any issues with the application system please contact Beaumont & Beaumont on 02 6126 4500 or via [email protected]

All applicants will be notified of the outcome once the process is complete.

📌 Chair of the National Capital Authority Board (Australia)
🏢 Australian Taxation Office
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