Would you like to be part of the exciting and important work of the ACT Heritage Council? As a member of the Council, you will influence the reform of heritage underway in the ACT.
Expressions of interest are sought from experts in archaeology and history with knowledge of and interest in heritage conservation and management, who would like to be a member on the ACT Heritage Council. The chair role is also vacant and will be filled from within the members.
There are currently two vacancies available and appointments will be made in early 2025.
Heritage Council
The Council is an independent body established under the Heritage Act 2004. The Council’s role is to identify, assess, conserve and promote places and objects in the ACT with natural and cultural heritage significance; assess nominations and formally register places and objects on the ACT Heritage Register and to encourage public interest in, and understanding of, issues relevant to the conservation of heritage places and objects. It also makes decisions about the conservation of heritage places and objects and plays a key role providing advice on planning and development matters.
The Council has specific responsibility for the conservation of Aboriginal places and objects associated with Aboriginal people because of their culture and traditions.
The Council is supported by ACT Heritage branch within the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate. Information about the role of the Council including its policies, processes, procedures and legislation can be found here.
A recent review of our heritage arrangements recommended strengthening heritage arrangements to ensure that the ACT’s natural, cultural and Aboriginal heritage are recognised and conserved for future generations. As a member of the Council, you will get to contribute to these important reforms.
Appointments
Membership of the Council is a statutory appointment for a term of up to 3 years with the possibility of extension or reappointment with a maximum total appointment term of six years in accordance with the ACT Governance Principles: Appointments, Boards and Committees, April 2021.
Structure
The Council has 12 members:
- Six members with expertise in one or more of the following disciplines:
- Aboriginal culture, Aboriginal history, Archaeology, Architecture, Engineering, History, Landscape Architecture, Nature Conservation, Object Conservation, Town Planning and Urban Design
- Four public representatives:
- two Aboriginal community representatives
- a community representative
- a representative from the property ownership, management and development sector.
- Two ex officio members: the Chief Planner and the Conservator of Flora and Fauna.
A Chair and Deputy Chair will be nominated from the expert and public representative members.
Diversity
The ACT Government is committed to having 50% representation of women on its boards and committees and to increasing the diversity of board membership.
People from diverse backgrounds including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse people and people who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (LGBTQIA+) are encouraged to apply.
Eligibility
To be eligible for these Council appointment applicants must demonstrate relevant qualifications and experience to be considered an expert in their field.
Applicants need an understanding of and connection with the ACT community. This may be demonstrated through a choice to live and/or work in the ACT.
Remuneration
The Council usually meets 6 – 7 times a year between February and November. Members participate on specialist Taskforces (for example, development, registration or major project taskforces) that support the Council’s decsion making.
Members are entitled to a daily sitting fee for attending meetings, site visits and approved representation activities.
The ACT Remuneration Tribunal determines the payments to be made to Council members and the council chair as part-time public office holders. Information on current rates is available in the part-time public office determination.
Selection Criteria
- Demonstrated expertise or experience in archaeology and history with a sound knowledge of and interest in heritage conservation and management principles and their application in a statutory context.
- Demonstrated ability to work within legislative and policy frameworks and heritage processes to ensure effective and efficient delivery of the functions of the Council.
- Appreciation and understanding of good governance and evidence of previous practice in delivering good governance outcomes.
- High-level conceptual, analytical, research and problem solving skills including a demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgement, and time and project management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to build productive working relationships with ACT Heritage staff, Government agencies, customers and community organisations including applying the principles of respect, equity and diversity.
- Demonstration of connection and commitment to the ACT and its heritage principles, arrangements, and outcomes.
How to apply
These positions are advertised on the ACT Diversity Register and the applications should be made via the ACT Diversity Register site. Please click the APPLY button.
Your application should include:
- A completed application form (available on the ACT Diversity Register)
- A brief statement of no more than more than 200 words per criterion outlining how you meet the criteria and your suitability for appointment
- details of any current and previous board, community or statutory appointments to Federal /State/ Territory or Local government bodies (include position, organisation and period of appointment), and
- Your current curriculum vitae.
Please note:
that prior to taking up the offer of a position, to meet the requirements of the ACT Governance Principles: Appointments, Boards and Committees, April 2021 you will be required to provide a statement (including a nil statement if applicable) identifying:
- whether you have any conflicts of interest or other matters that may affect whether you could carry out all or some functions of a Council member
- if you have at any time been convicted, in Australia or elsewhere, of an offence punishable by imprisonment for 1 year or longer,
- if you are currently bankrupt or personally insolvent.
Further information
For more information, please contact Bethune Carmichael, A/g Director, Heritage Governance and Policy at bethune.carmichael@act.gov.au or on +61 (02) 6205 4474
