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Languages Advisory Committee – Expression of Interest

The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from individuals who want to shape the direction of AIATSIS’ ongoing work on Australian languages.

We are looking for people who have a special interest in, and/or specialised knowledge on Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander languages and who would like to apply for membership on the AIATSIS Languages Advisory Committee (LAC).

Role of the LAC

The core function of the LAC is to provide advice to the AIATSIS Chief Executive Officer on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. This advice will guide the work of the AIATSIS Centre for Australian Languages (ACAL) to support the preservation and revitalisation of Indigenous languages. The matters the LAC will advise on include, but are not limited to:

  1. Policies and programs relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages
  2. Activities of ACAL
  3. The National Indigenous Languages Surveys
  4. Applications for funding under the AIATSIS Dictionaries Program

Membership

The LAC is made up of three (3) ex-officio positions drawn from the AIATSIS Executive and the Director of the ACAL , and seven (7) external positions. In addition, a minimum of two (2) positions are reserved for members with academic training in linguistics.

Members are initially appointed for a period of three years.

In determining the make-up of the LAC, AIATSIS will have regard to:

  1. A majority of members who are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, reflecting a diversity across societies, cultures and knowledge systems.
  2. Balanced gender representation.
  3. Strong experience and involvement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.
  4. Representation from a range of geographical locations to ensure broad perspectives across Australia.

Members will be required to do the following:

  1. Thoroughly prepare for meetings by reviewing all papers.
  2. Participate cooperatively in discussion, both in-meeting and out-of-session.
  3. Attend the whole of a meeting, unless other arrangements are made with the Chairperson.
  4. Engage respectfully with other members and AIATSIS staff.
  5. Attend all meetings where possible (a minimum of 2 in-person meetings per year).

Members will have all their travel expenses covered and will also receive remuneration for their time spent during official meetings.

How to express interest

Please complete the EOI form below and submit it, along with your most recent CV to the Languages Advisory Committee secretariate at LAC@aiatsis.gov.au by 26 April 2026.

Please note: Any EOI provided after 26 April 2026 may or may not be accepted at the sole discretion of AIATSIS. The closing date for submissions may be amended at the sole discretion of AIATSIS. For example, if it determines that the responses received are not appropriate or that it is otherwise in the public interest.

Personal details
Address
Do you identify as an Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander person
Which gender do you most identify with?

('X" represents individuals who are indeterminate, unspecific or intersex)

Do you wish to identify yourself as belonging to any of the following diversity groups:
Background
Qualifications and Experience

One file only.
80 MB limit.
Allowed types: pdf, doc, docx.

Language and committee experience
Declaration

Privacy

As an Australian Government agency, AIATSIS is bound by thePrivacy Act 1988 (Cth) (the Privacy Act) and Privacy Principles which regulate how organisations and government agencies may collect, use, disclose and store personal information, and how individuals may access and correct personal information held about them.

AIATSIS will only collect personal information for purposes which are directly related to our functions or activities under the following legislation and only when it is necessary for or directly related to such purposes:

a) The Privacy Act.
b) The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth).
c) The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Act 1989 (Cth).

The Privacy Act defines ‘personal information' as:

a) Information or an opinion (including information or an opinion forming part of a database), whether true or not, and whether recorded in a material form or not, about an individual whose identity is apparent, or can reasonably be ascertained, from the information or opinion.

The Privacy Act also defines ‘sensitive information’, which includes (in summary):

a) Information or an opinion about an individual’s racial or ethnic origin; political opinions; membership of a political association; religious beliefs or affiliations; philosophical beliefs; membership of a professional or trade association; membership of a trade union; sexual orientation or practices; or criminal record; health information about an individual; or other genetic or biometric information.

More information on the AIATSIS privacy policy, including on how to access your personal information, or to make a complaint can be found here:

a) AIATSIS Privacy Policy (https://aiatsis.gov.au/privacy).

Integrity

Respondents must declare any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest in their expression of interest. AIATSIS may, if an actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest arises, at its sole discretion:

a) exclude the expression of interest from further consideration
b) enter into discussions to seek to resolve the conflict of interest
c) take any other action it considers appropriate.

I certify that the statements made by me and any supporting documentation are true and complete at the time of submission. I understand and agree that any false or misleading statements made in my application may disqualify me from engagement or result in termination of my engagement.

By selecting 'Yes' you are agreeing to the above.

Last updated: 23 March 2026