The Australian Government has appointed Julie-Ann Guivarra as the new Chief Executive Officer of the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), effective December 1, 2025. Ms. Guivarra, a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman, has extensive experience in the Australian Public Service, particularly in roles that focus on improving outcomes for Indigenous Australians.
Ms. Guivarra has served as a Senior Executive with the NIAA since 2021, where she has played a critical role in the coordination of Commonwealth policy development and program design aimed at supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. She has been acting as the Chief Executive Officer since August 2025, demonstrating her leadership capabilities and commitment to the agency’s mission.
Prior to her tenure at the NIAA, Ms. Guivarra held several senior positions at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Notably, she was the first Indigenous woman to represent Australia as an ambassador, serving as the Ambassador to Spain, Andorra, and Equatorial Guinea from July 2018 to January 2020. Following this role, she was appointed Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality in March 2020.
In announcing her appointment, the Minister for Indigenous Australians praised Ms. Guivarra’s dedication and expertise. “I am so pleased to announce Julie-Ann Guivarra as the new Chief Executive Officer of the NIAA. I have had the opportunity to work closely with Julie-Ann on delivering on our key priorities, including our remote employment program,” said the Minister. “I know her passion for inclusion, collaboration and making a positive impact. I look forward to continuing to work with her to deliver our government’s economic empowerment agenda and improving the life outcomes for First Nations people across the country.”
Ms. Guivarra’s five-year term is expected to focus on enhancing engagement with Indigenous communities and driving initiatives that promote economic empowerment. Her appointment marks a significant step in the Australian Government’s ongoing commitment to addressing the needs and aspirations of Indigenous Australians, aiming for a more inclusive and equitable future.
As the NIAA continues to evolve, Ms. Guivarra’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping policies that directly impact Indigenous Australians, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights upheld.
