National Indigenous Australians Agency
Simon Gordon is an experienced leader in public policy and strategic management, currently serving as the Group Manager for both the Strategy Group and the Empowerment and Recognition Group at the National Indigenous Australians Agency since July 2022. Gordon has held various senior roles in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet from June 2017 to July 2022, including Managing Director and Senior Advisor of BETA, the Australian Government's central public policy research team. Previous experience encompasses serving as CEO of the Settlement Council of Australia, where a focus was placed on enhancing settlement outcomes for migrants and refugees, and as Deputy CEO at Reconciliation Australia, leading significant reconciliation initiatives. Gordon's earlier positions include managerial roles with FaHCSIA and the Department of Environment, complemented by a robust academic background that includes a Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science from The Australian National University and a Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Sydney.
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.