The Australian Public Service (APS) First Nations Graduate Certificate of Management Program, delivered by (ANU) College of Business and Economics in partnership with the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), has received the Universities Australia (UA) – Programs that Enhance Learning.
The prestigious national award celebrates the program’s outstanding contribution to Indigenous education, leadership development and alumni success across the APS.
Since its launch in 2021, the program has provided a bespoke, culturally grounded pathway for 99 graduates from all states and territories, including 97 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander APS employees and two employees from Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations – many of whom are the first in their family to attend university.
The students grow their subject knowledge, self-awareness and self-confidence, along with critical-thinking and leadership skills to overcome career obstacles. Within the APS, the program has attracted the participation of 16 sponsoring organisations, with alumni now working across 20 agencies and departments.
Co-designed with the NIAA, the Graduate Certificate blends academic excellence with culturally responsive pedagogies, cohort-based learning and wrap around support. The certificate is designed to address barriers that have historically limited Indigenous participation and progression in tertiary education and senior public service roles.
The impact has been profound. The program has achieved an exceptional completion rate of 87.3 per cent, as well as maintaining 99 per cent satisfaction rate and 100 per cent recommendation rate.
Graduates report strong gains in leadership capability, evidence-based decision making and self-confidence, translating into tangible career outcomes, including promotions to senior executive roles and further postgraduate studies.
Dolly Nye from the Department of Health and Aged Care (2023 alumna) said: “I am grateful for the GCM. Because without it, I would not be a Pat Turner Scholar. At this stage of my professional career, this a lifechanging honour for a humble Koori from the bush.
“The importance of programs like this one cannot be understated because ‘we cannot be what we cannot see’. Inspired by my learning in the GCM, I am now pursuing an interdisciplinary research project, as part of my masters studies, on the access to age care for older Indigenous people in the NSW South Coast region, contributing to shaping future government policies on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aged care.”
Through this award, UA recognises the innovative and collaborative educational partnership model in learning and teaching between and the APS, the commitment of the program to Indigenous self-determination, and the depth of student support embedded throughout their learning journey.
Steve Austin from the NIAA, who completed the Graduate Certificate in 2022, said: “The biggest impact the program has had, however, was not necessarily on me, but rather on my daughters. Seeing me return to study has had a profound effect on them and how they see their future prospects in tertiary education”.
Congratulating the program team for the award, Interim Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Rebekah Brown said the First Nations Graduate Certificate of Management Program reflects the importance of strong leadership in the public service.
“It recognises the deep knowledge, experience and perspective that First Nations leaders bring to public decision-making, and the importance of creating pathways where that leadership can grow, be supported, and have influence,” Professor Brown said.
“This is about capability, representation and impact within institutions that serve all Australians. Public service leadership bridges policy ambition and practical reality. It requires evidence, judgement, cultural understanding and integrity.
“This program brings those elements together, combining academic rigour with lived experience, and strengthening leadership capability across government.
“I’d also like to thank the NIAA for their enduring support as our lead partner, whose commitment has helped ensure this program is not only credible, but impactful.”
The program has been recognised by senior APS leaders for its contributions to the Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Strategy and the Indigenous Advancement Strategy of the Australian Government, especially in terms of upskilling the knowledge and network necessary for career development and pathways of Indigenous employees.
NIAA CEO Julie-Ann Guivarra congratulated on receiving the award.
“The NIAA is proud of its collaboration with the to deliver a high‑quality and impactful development opportunity for First Nations staff in the APS,” Guivarra said.
“Collaborations between universities and workplaces remain an important pathway for adult learners to engage with tertiary education. The APS First Nations Graduate Certificate Program reflects the Priority Reforms of Closing the Gap and contributes to building a culturally safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace”.
The 2026 cohort of the program is currently underway. More information about the program and its future intakes can be found at the College of Business and Economics .
