New CEO for National Indigenous Australians Agency

The Federal Government has appointed Julie-Ann Guivarra as the new Chief Executive Officer of the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA).

A proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman, Ms Guivarra is a proven senior leader within the Australian Public Service.

As a Senior Executive with the NIAA since 2021, she has wide-ranging experience driving key outcomes for Indigenous Australians.

During her time with the NIAA, Ms Guivarra has led the coordination of Commonwealth policy development, program design, and implementation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Previously ambassador to Spain

Ms Guivarra has been the acting Chief Executive Officer of the NIAA since August 2025.

Before joining the NIAA, Ms Guivarra held a number of senior positions at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

She was the first Indigenous woman to represent Australia as an ambassador, serving as the Ambassador to Spain, Andorra and Equatorial Guinea from July 2018 to January 2020.

Following this, in March 2020, Ms Guivarra was appointed Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality.

Making a positive impact

“I have had the opportunity to work closely with Julie-Ann on delivering on our key priorities, including our remote employment program,” Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said.

“I know her passion for inclusion, collaboration and making a positive impact.

“I look forward to continuing to work with her to deliver our government’s economic empowerment agenda and improving the life outcomes for First Nations people across the country.”

Selected as the Chief Executive Officer of the NIAA through a competitive process, Ms Guivarra’s five-year term will commence on December 1.