Noongar governance structure committees

A range of committees and structures that variously provide support, direction and influence over how the Noongar Boodja Trust is managed, and ensure consultation with and between the seven Noongar Corporations.
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Together with the Noongar Boodja Trust and seven Noongar Corporations, the following committees and structures form part of the Noongar Governance Structure:

  • Noongar Advisory Company;

  • Noongar Relationship Committee;

  • Investment Committee;

  • Nominations Committee; and

  • Noongar Corporations Committee. 

Each body has a clearly defined role and set of objectives. The inclusion of these discrete bodies in the Noongar Governance Structure is to ensure the long-term accountability of the Noongar Boodja Trust is in line with the Noongar peoples' expectations and future aspirations, and that the Noongar Corporations have clear mechanisms for consultation with one another and the Noongar Boodja Trust.

To learn more about these committees and structures, including information about current membership, visit the Noongar Boodja Trust website for the Noongar Advisory Company and three Trust Committees, or the SWALSC website for the Noongar Corporations Committee.

Noongar Advisory Company

The initial Trustee of the Noongar Boodja Trust (NBT Trustee) relies on the Noongar Advisory Company for important cultural context and understanding in managing assets.

The NBT Trustee consults with the Noongar Advisory Company on:

  • managing its relationship with and liaison with the Noongar people, the Noongar Corporations Committee, the Central Services Corporation (CSC), and the Noongar Regional Corporations (Regional Corporations);
  • fostering mutual respect and cooperation between the NBT Trustee, the Noongar people, the CSC, and the Regional Corporations; and
  • the NBT Trustee's fulfilment of the Trust purpose and terms of the Trust Deed generally.

The Noongar Advisory Company comprises six directors:

  • two nominated Noongar directors;
  • two Independent directors;
  • one State nominee; and 
  • one NBT Trustee nominee.

Noongar Relationship Committee

 The Noongar Relationship Committee reviews the NBT Trustee's obligations to the Noongar Corporations under the Trust Deed. The NBT Trustee is required to consult with the Noongar Relationship Committee on matters relating to the Trust, including but not limited to: 

  • access to the Noongar Future Fund;
  • allocating funds from the development of land;
  • any changes to the Trust Deed; and
  • assist with the review of the CSC’s service delivery to the Regional Corporations.

The Noongar Relationship Committee comprises up to 17 members, including:

  • all representatives from the Noongar Corporations Committee; and
  • three directors of the Noongar Advisory Company comprising:  
    • the Trustee nominee director; 
    • one independent director; and
    • one expert representative from the Noongar community.

Investment Committee

The Investment Committee works with the Noongar Corporations Committee, the Noongar Advisory Company, and the WA Government on investment matters and the development of the Investment Policy.

The Investment Committee is also responsible for the appointment of Investment Managers. Investment Managers must at all times be independent and hold an Australian Financial Services Licence and meet a range of other specified requirements, including demonstrated experience in property management.

The Investment Committee is involved in assessing and arranging for the sale, or development and sale, of properties included in the Development Land Fund.  

The Investment Committee comprises:

  • one Trustee nominated representative to act as Chair;
  • two representatives with a minimum of five years' relevant experience and expertise nominated by the Noongar Corporations Committee; and
  • four independent members nominated by the NBT Trustee on the recommendations of the Nominations Committee including: 
    • two members with a minimum five years' experience and expertise in property transaction; and
    • two members with a minimum five years' experience and expertise in fund management greater than $500 million

Nominations Committee

The Nominations Committee manages the selection process for board and committee positions, as well as assists with the appointment of the directors of the Noongar Corporations.

The six Nomination Committee members cannot be on any other committees or boards within the Noongar Corporations or the NBT.  

The Nominations Committee membership includes:

  • one Trustee representative;
  • one Noongar Relationship Committee nominee;
  • two Noongar people with relevant director and board member experience; and
  • two independent people with relevant director and board member experience

Noongar Corporations Committee

The Noongar Corporations Committee (NCC) is established and supported by the Central Services Corporation and is the primary forum for consultation among the Noongar Regional Corporations and the Central Services Corporation. The NBT Trustee is not involved in the Noongar Corporations Committee.

The NCC consists of the Chair and Chief Executive Officer of each of the six Noongar Regional Corporations and the Central Services Corporation.

It provides a forum for all of the Noongar Corporations to come together to discuss matters of mutual interest. The Trustee is required to consult the NCC on certain important matters relating to the Trust including: 

  • investment policy;
  • nominations to the Investment Committee;
  • the strategic plan for the Trust;
  • changes to the Trust Deed; and
  • nomination of a Dedicated Trustee.

The NCC also makes recommendations to the Trustee on how it should consult with the Noongar Community.