Australian Indigenous advisory bodies

Australian Indigenous advisory bodies are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advisory bodies established or proposed to be established by the Commonwealth and state and territory governments. Calls for such bodies, especially for a Commonwealth level Voice to Parliament, became prominent following the release of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, however similar bodies of various levels of independence have existed since the official end of assimilationist policies in the 1970s and the promotion of self-determination and reconciliation. Such bodies generally advise governments on policies and programmes that affect Indigenous Australians, and represent Indigenous interests in public debate.^[1] Other advisory bodies have been established in the context of state treaty process, to advise governments and Indigenous groups to prepare for upcoming negotiations.

While the proposed Voice was unique in its proposed implementation through a constitutional amendment, most other advisory bodies are typically proposed to be established via legislation, with their membership democratically elected by First Nations communities.^[1] The membership of these bodies is usually made up of representatives from a range of Indigenous organisations and communities. The specific proposed roles and responsibilities of Indigenous advisory bodies varies.^[2]