National Indigenous Australians Agency
Gaminda Ganewatta is an experienced professional with a diverse background in economics, data science, and research. Currently serving as an Adviser at the National Indigenous Australians Agency and an Analyst at the Commonwealth Treasury, Gaminda has previously held key roles including Economist/Data Scientist at the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, and Research Officer/Economic Analyst at Safe Work Australia. With a solid academic foundation that includes a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Data Analytics from The Australian National University and a Ph.D. in Economics from La Trobe University, Gaminda has also contributed to research as a Research Fellow at both Deakin University and RMIT University, and worked as an Economist for the Government of Sri Lanka.
National Indigenous Australians Agency
At the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), we are committed to supporting aspirations of First Nations peoples and removing barriers to ensure full and equal participation in the social and economic life of Australia. We leverage our partnerships and relationships to ensure First Nations voices are heard. We support the Minister for Indigenous Australians, The Hon Linda Burney MP, and work to influence policy across the entire Australian Government. We liaise closely with State and Territory governments, peak bodies and service providers to ensure Indigenous programs and services are delivering for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We recognise each community is unique. Our regional presence extends across Australia with staff based in each state and territory. Our staff work collaboratively and in genuine partnership with communities to ensure policies, programs and services address their unique needs. Areas of focus include health and wellbeing, education, employment, economic development, culture and heritage, land and the environment, housing, community safety, Closing the Gap, supporting the Indigenous voice co-design process, and constitutional recognition. NIAA is a flexible, diverse and inclusive workplace and our people are the heart of the NIAA. The NIAA shared values support our positive, inclusive and delivery orientated culture: • We respect multiple perspectives • We are professional and act with integrity • We invest in each other’s success • We are authentic • We deliver with purpose.