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Joining government boards

Supporting people into leadership and decision-making roles is important for individuals and business.

OnBoard is managed by the National Indigenous Australians Agency and is used to source qualified candidates for the Indigenous Portfolio Agency boards and by the Australian Government for a broad range of Australian Government board and committee appointments.

People who would like to be considered for Australian Government board appointments can register their interest here.

Registration does not guarantee appointment to an Australian Government board.

Board qualifications

While different boards and committees require specific skills, knowledge and experience depending on their purpose, size and functions relevant to the board, the Government requires candidates with one or more of the following skills and attributes:

  • senior management or board experience (including as a CEO)
  • rural or regional location work experience
  • diversity of cultural background
  • subject matter/technical expertise
  • financial management experience.

How to register

Register here to be considered as a candidate for the OnBoard Candidate Register. Once your account is activated, you will receive further instructions via email to complete your profile.

Register

 

 

Next steps

We will let you know if your registration is accepted to the OnBoard Candidate Register.

You will need to keep your profile up-to-date with your skills and experience as they change over time.

If you don’t currently have the skills or experience for an Australian Government Board appointment there are other approaches you can try, such as board governance training offered by the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

 

Advice for candidates

As a potential board member you must:

  • have the time and commitment to serve actively and conscientiously on a board
  • have skills and specialist knowledge to assist with ongoing aspects of the board’s role
  • have essential governance knowledge and experience in and knowledge of the industry in which the entity operates
  • be able to maintain a degree of separation from any representative group with which you are associated
  • be an independent board member or director with no conflict of interest or duty.

Be informed

When considering an appointment, ensure you are well informed about the board, its functions and the expected workload. Candidates should familiarise themselves with information such as:

  • functions and objectives of the entity
  • role of the board
  • term of appointment, including commencement date, and the director’s need to comply with relevant legislation or other requirements
  • duties, responsibilities and workload
  • remuneration and allowances
  • expected time commitment per month and minimum meeting attendance
  • statutory, constitutional and internal policies and requirements applicable to the entity
  • relevant legislation that establishes the board
  • candidates nominated for appointment must undertake due diligence and probity checks and complete a private interests declaration form.

What else you can do

To be considered for an appointment to an Australian Government board, you may need to try several approaches depending on the board you are interested in. Some tips offered by existing board members include:

  • get involved in networks that may be associated with a particular board or industry
  • contact a board directly to let them know you are interested in an appointment
  • review the websites of portfolio departments for information about their activities and operations, including their functions and boards
  • monitor broader sources for information about board vacancies including national newspapers and executive search companies
  • undertake board governance training, including courses and programs through the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Pre-appointment checks

Shortlisted candidates must successfully satisfy a mandatory due diligence process. This includes the following background checks:

  • Due diligence:
    • banned and disqualified register by Australian Security and Investment Commission (ASIC) under provision of the Corporations Act 2001 (Commonwealth).
    • Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA) National Personal Insolvency Index (NPII). A person who has been or who becomes bankrupt will typically be disqualified from appointment, or continued membership of a board.
    • Australian Business Register.
    • Other public source checks.
  • Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Police Check: although each circumstance will be judged on its merits, people convicted of a criminal offence may not be suitable for service on boards as these positions require a high degree of trustworthiness.
  • Declaration of private interests: candidates must complete a conflict of interest form.
  • Disqualification from acting as a director: a person who has been disqualified by a court or ASIC from acting as a director or manager may not be considered suitable for board or committee roles.

Appointments and re-appointments

Ministers are responsible for the majority of board appointments to Commonwealth entities within their portfolios.

The board (via the Chair) should inform the minister about the required knowledge and skills, personal qualities and specialist expertise needed to strengthen the board. The board may also be involved in nominating people for appointment.

Successful appointees will receive a letter of appointment from the relevant minister, once the appointment has been approved by the Prime Minister and/or the Cabinet.

Reappointment to most boards is not automatic, especially where a member has already served two terms. Potential re-appointees are subject to the Australian Government appointment processes detailed above.

Remuneration

The Remuneration Tribunal determines the remuneration and allowances that apply to holders of part-time public offices, and other portfolio boards and committees. Relevant determinations can be found on the Remuneration Tribunal website.