Purpose

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) First Nations Governance Group (FNGG) operates as a strategic partnership between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (First Nations) with significant sectoral experience and the AIHW. Its purpose is to inform the AIHW in their commitment to transformed relationships with First Nations communities and ensure that First Nations knowledges, perspectives, and priorities guide the development, use, and dissemination of information and evidence relating to First Nations people. Through this partnership, the FNGG will shape the AIHW’s approach to data, evidence, data governance and priorities to support improved outcomes for First Nations communities.

Terms of Reference

Established to guide the AIHW in delivering on our strategic commitment to be recognised by First Nations people and organisations as an exemplary partner, the FNGG will:

  • Work in partnership with the AIHW to provide strategic input and guidance on the development and direction of the work programs relevant to First Nations peoples, in alignment with community priorities and cultural values.
  • Contribute to shared decision-making at the strategic level on actions that support the implementation and embedding of the Closing the Gap Priority Reforms.
  • Advise the AIHW on strategic data and reporting, shaping priorities, and emerging issues to ensure that the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data appropriately reflect First Nations perspectives, needs, and strengths.
  • Undertake periodic reviews of the Institute’s progress in delivering the agreed priorities. Recognised for its authority and expertise, the FNGG is empowered to raise concerns and provide frank, constructive advice when progress is not on track, to ensure accountability and alignment with First Nations perspectives and priorities.
  • Provide a formal mechanism for members to raise strategic issues, propose priorities and identify emerging opportunities for the committees consideration and advice.

Meetings

The group meets 2–3 times per year and is co-chaired by a First Nations member, Natalie Lewis, and AIHW CEO, Zoran Bolevich.

Membership

Membership includes a distinguished group of First Nations leaders engaged to inject a range of important views and expertise covering the community-controlled health and social services sectors, research, evaluations and data governance, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, across a diversity of locations and settings.

Membership at June 2026 (names are listed alphabetically)
Member nameMob
Zoran Bolevich (Co-Chair and AIHW Chief Executive Officer)–

Adrian Carson

Cobble Cobble

Fiona Cornforth

Wuthathi/Maluligal

Paul Gray

Wiradjuri

Natalie Lewis (First Nations Co-Chair)

Gamilaroi

Rob McPhee

Njamal/Yamatji

Romlie Mokak (AIHW Board member)

Djugun

Tina Ugle

Ballardong, Whadjuk and Yued

Contact us

Secretariat support is provided by the Office of the CEO at the AIHW.

Email: [email protected]