Expressions of Interest are invited for the position of Committee Members on the International Repatriation Advisory Committee.
The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) helps to support Indigenous people, through programs and services for Indigenous people and grants and funding for organisations providing services for Indigenous people. The International repatriation program, which is administered by FaHCSIA, facilitates the return of Indigenous human remains held in overseas collections to their communities of origin. The key stakeholders include the local Indigenous communities in Australia, the managers of overseas museums, and Australia’s embassies and high commissions overseas.
The Australian Government is seeking to appoint Committee members to actively participate on a new International Repatriation Advisory Committee, announced by the Minister of Indigenous Affairs, the Hon. Jenny Macklin MP, on 10 July 2009. Members will be appointed initially for six months.
The role of the Committee will be:
- to advise on a policy framework for the delivery of the international repatriation program.
- to advise on an effective mechanism for the delivery of the international repatriation program so that the existing investment in repatriation can be made more strategic and inclusive of Indigenous aspirations.
- to advise on a formal policy statement (for Australian and international stakeholders) including the purposes and objectives of international repatriation.
- as requested, to advise the Minister on any other international repatriation issue.
- Chairperson or alternate, as requested, to serve as an Indigenous spokesperson on repatriation to foreign governments and/or institutions, and to improve public understanding of the issues by providing an Indigenous perspective when comment is sought by the media, including media overseas.
The Successful candidates should have:
- a demonstrated understanding of the issues involved in repatriating Australian Indigenous human remains and be motivated to work towards the return of Australian Indigenous ancestral remains to their community of origin;
- proven strong interpersonal, and liaison and oral communication skills, and the ability to deal effectively with Indigenous community representatives, governments and non-government bodies;
- a demonstrated awareness of issues affecting Indigenous Australians generally and the Australian Government’s Indigenous reform agenda;
- strong personal drive and integrity; and
- proven research, analytical and conceptual skills to review policy and/or program issues would be advantageous.
For more information on this opportunity, contact Michael O'Rourke on 02 6121 4483 or email: international.repatriation@fahcsia.gov.au.
Further information about how International Repatriation currently operates is avaliable on the FaHCSIA website.
To nominate please send your resume (no more than three pages) and a covering letter (no more than two pages) addressing the required skills and attributes and outlining why you believe you could make a valuable contribution to improving the framework governing the repatriating of Australian Indigenous human remains held overseas. Applications close 5.00pm Friday 14 August 2009 and can be lodged by email to international.repatriation@fahcsia.gov.au or by post to:
Attention: International Repatriation Unit
(Level 2, Centra-Plaza Building)
Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
PO BOX 7576
Canberra Business Centre ACT 2610