Strategic advice on structure for Australian National Indigenous body

 Nous was engaged by the Australian Human Rights Commission to provide strategic advice on options for the structure and operation of a National Indigenous Representative Body. The Minister for Indigenous Affairs had requested that a committee chaired by Tom Calma, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, consult with the indigenous community on the formation of a new representative body and advise on its structure and operation.

Nous designed and delivered a series of focus groups with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community leaders throughout Australia. The focus groups addressed issues including role and objectives, funding, representative structures and processes, and the relationship of the body with the Australian Parliament.  Nous prepared a report for the steering committee on the results of the focus groups, and facilitated a meeting of the committee regarding its final recommendations to the Minister.

The Minister accepted the recommendations and provided $26 million in establishment funding for the Congress.