The development of the pilot First Nations Trade and Investment Advisory Group (pilot Advisory Group) was announced as part of the Government’s 2023-24 budget allocation for the Office for First Nations International Engagement in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Following an Expression of Interest process, the pilot Advisory Group was established in February 2025.
The Terms of Reference cover the purpose, structure and governance of the pilot Advisory Group.
Media release
Boosting First Nations trade and investment
Pilot Advisory Group membership
| Name | Title, Organisation |
|---|---|
| Ms Leah Armstrong | Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement representative |
| Mr Brian Bero | First Nations Clean Energy Network representative |
| Ms Sharon Brindley | First Nations Bushfoods and Botanicals Alliance Australia representative |
| Mr Cameron Costello | Costello Consultancy |
| Mr Leslie Delaforce | DreamSpark |
| Ms Michelle Deshong | Deshong Consulting |
| Mr Michael Dickerson | Gambarra Kaha |
| Mr Joshua Gilbert | Consultant |
| Mr Bevan Mailman | Desert Octopus Springs |
| Ms Shannon McGuire | Chief Executive Officer, Kirrikin |
| Ms Jenny Wardrop | Supply Nation representative |
Meeting summaries
Pilot First Nations Trade and Investment Advisory Group Inaugural Meeting, 12 February 2025 Summary