• Part Time
• Tenure – 3 years
• Location: All of NSW
• Members of Board $10,369 per annum, plus travel expenses
• Chair of Board $15,318 per annum plus travel expenses

Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, reflecting the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage individuals of all backgrounds – including but not limited to; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation to submit an application. We strive to ensure that every stage of the recruitment process and overall employee experience is accessible, welcoming and free from barriers.

About the NSW Rural Assistance Authority

The NSW Government, through the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA), provides significant financial assistance to help farmers become more resilient, self-reliant and sustainable. Financial assistance is also provided to small businesses and primary producers to help them recover from natural disasters.

The Hon. Tara Moriarty MLC, Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Western NSW, is seeking expressions of interest for five independent members to join the RAA Advisory Board in 2026, with expertise in one or more of the following fields:

• Representing farmers
• Banking or finance, farm management or an associated area as the Minister considers necessary to enable the Advisory Board to carry out its functions, and 
• Social welfare, rural counselling or conservation or other areas as the Minister considers necessary to enable the Advisory Board to carry out its functions.

In addition, you can demonstrate:

• Experience in providing objective advice and contributions to strategic plans and value creation.  

• Ability to provide fresh insight or expertise on strategic issues, industry and market trends and work with the Advisory Board to provide collective advice to decision-makers.  

As part of this recruitment process, the Minister will also be appointing one member to the position of Chair of the NSW RAA Advisory Board. Candidates interested in applying for this position should be able to demonstrate expertise in the following areas:

• Senior Executive, Leadership or Board Chair experience and experience dealing with the highest levels of the Public Sector and Government Ministers or equivalent.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate the conduct of meetings to allow frank and open discussion, ensuring individual members make an effective contribution.

Expressions of interest for the position of Chair should be indicated at time of applying for a position on the board. Applications for this position from existing members of board will also be considered.

Candidates should demonstrate a high level of personal and professional integrity. Prequalification under the NSW Government’s Prequalification Scheme - Audit and Risk Committee Independent Chairs and Members would be desirable but not essential.

The RAA Advisory Board provides advice to the Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Western NSW and adds value to the RAA, which is a part of the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

Members will be required to attend a minimum of four face-to-face meetings in Sydney, Orange or other regional areas of NSW and participate in teleconferences, as required throughout the year. Members can be based anywhere in NSW as long as they are able to commit to these meetings and teleconferences.

The Advisory Board consists of the Chief Executive of the RAA and six part-time members.

The appointment of the five part-time positions including a Chair are for a period of three years commencing on 1 January 2026 and concluding 31 December 2028.

A selection panel will assess expressions of interest, and the Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW will seek Cabinet approval for membership of the RAA Advisory Board.

Applying for the role

Please provide your resume and a one-page cover letter addressing the selection criteria and outlining why you would like to be an independent member of the board and how you can add value to the RAA.  

If you would like to express your interest in the position of Chair, please include additional information outlining:

• Senior Executive, Leadership or Board Chair experience and experience dealing in the highest levels of the Public Sector and Government Ministers or equivalent.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate the conduct of meetings to allow frank and open discussion, ensuring individual members make an effective contribution.

Applications Close: 18 September 2025 - 11.55pm

If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre- employment testing, require information in an alternative format, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can assist. Send an email to talent.advisory@dpird.nsw.gov.au or contact the hiring manager listed above for a confidential discussion.

The successful applicant in this role may be required to undergo a police check, health assessment and other assessments as required. Travel expenses for Advisory Board members are reimbursed.

For further information: 

Phone: 0427 688 658
Email: meagan.wilson@raa.nsw.gov.au
Visit:  www.raa.nsw.gov.au/board  

         2023/2024 Rural Assistance Authority Annual Report

         NSW Boards and Committees Guidelines