Who they are
The committee advises the Minister and Department on First Nations perspectives on Clean Energy and Climate Change. Members of the committee are experts in various areas such as Indigenous Affairs, energy, climate changes, social and legal services.
The committee is non-statutory and was established on 30 April 2023.
The committee does not replace considered consultation with First Nations representatives and communities about each clean energy and climate change initiatives.
What we do
The role of the committee is to:
- Provide advice on First Nations perspectives regarding the Australian Government’s clean energy and climate change priorities
- Ensure First Nations perspectives are appropriately considered in the development of policy, reform, and program implementation
- Ensure First Nations heritage and cultural protocols are respected and protected
- Identify opportunities for First Nations people and communities to share in the benefits of the transition to net zero
Terms of Reference
The committee will provide advice on matters in the climate change and clean energy space including the continued development and implementation of emissions reduction measures under the Powering Australia Plan. This will lead to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ self-determination, clean energy transition, net zero and nature positive outcomes.
The committee will also provide advice to support the development of the First Nations Clean Energy Strategy including:
- The design and implementation of the strategy’s communications and engagement plan.
- Participation in community roundtables (where attendance makes sense for individual committee members).
- Input into and development of themes, objectives, and initiatives informed by First Nations community members.
- Ensuring First Nations voices have been adequately consulted and are appropriately reflected in the draft strategy.
Members
Members are not appointed to represent any region or organisation. Members are ministerially appointed based on their expertise in Indigenous Affairs, energy, social and legal services. All members are First Australians.
Advisory members may also be appointed to provide expert advice on specific topics. Advisory members do not have the authority to contribute to consensus decisions.
2023 committee members
Dr Kate George, member and co-lead
Mr Travis Thomas, member and co-Lead
Mr Richard Ah Mat, member
Ms Jozan Collins, member
Professor Valerie Cooms, member
Mr Graeme Gardner, member
Ms Heron Loban, member
Mr Jamie Lowe, member
Mr David McCormack, member
Ms Bianca Lena, member
Dr Heidi Norman, member
Mr Dion Creek, member
Ms Pele Ware, member
Mr Bradley Saunders, member
Mr Kado Muir, member
Mr Peter Renehan, member
Mr Simon Hawkins, advisory member
Meetings
The committee meets formally face-to-face at least once every 3 months. Additional meetings are held virtually as required. Committee meetings are held across Australia and we provide secretariat support.
Bulletins
FNCEERAC Meeting 1 – 5 July 2023, Brisbane, Queensland
FNCEERAC Meeting 1 - 5 July 2023 (PDF 121 KB)
FNCEERAC Meeting 1 - 5 July 2023 (DOCX 100 KB)
Read more
Find out more about the First Nations Clean Energy Strategy.
Get involved
Register for First Nations Clean Energy Strategy Roundtables.
Get in touch
You can contact the committee through the Secretariat.
Email: FNCEERAC@dcceew.gov.au
Post:
FNCEERAC Secretariat
First Nations Clean Energy Strategy Taskforce
Electricity Division
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
GPO Box 3090
CANBERRA ACT 2601