Jamie Lowe
CEO of the National Native Title Council (NNTC)
Co-Chair
Jamie Lowe is a Gundjitmara Djabwurrung man serving as the CEO of the National Native Title Council (NNTC) and inaugural Co-Chair of the Mabo Centre, established to promote Traditional Owner economic and social empowerment through a partnership with the University of Melbourne.
With a dedication to advocating for First Nations peoples' self-determination, Jamie has played a pivotal role in various significant initiatives. He was instrumental in negotiating the Closing the Gap Agreement, which took effect in July 2020, and currently represents the NNTC as a Joint Council member of the Coalition of the Peaks, advising on economic development and supporting national cooperation on Closing the Gap initiatives.
In 2021, he was appointed Indigenous Specialist Representative for the Australian Heritage Council, advising the Australian Government on heritage matters. Prior to his role at the NNTC, Jamie was the CEO of the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, which holds native title rights in southwestern Victoria, including the Great Ocean Road. He is also an inaugural member of the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria, which is negotiating a Treaty with the Victorian Government.
Internationally, Jamie represents the NNTC at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, contributing to discussions on Indigenous rights and advocacy. His work, both nationally and internationally, emphasizes creating economic independence while preserving cultural identity, as he champions a national Treaty and other initiatives for Traditional Owners and communities across Australia. Jamie remains committed to supporting his community and fostering economic empowerment for First Nations people.
Co-Chair
Jamie Lowe is a Gundjitmara Djabwurrung man serving as the CEO of the National Native Title Council (NNTC) and inaugural Co-Chair of the Mabo Centre, established to promote Traditional Owner economic and social empowerment through a partnership with the University of Melbourne.
With a dedication to advocating for First Nations peoples' self-determination, Jamie has played a pivotal role in various significant initiatives. He was instrumental in negotiating the Closing the Gap Agreement, which took effect in July 2020, and currently represents the NNTC as a Joint Council member of the Coalition of the Peaks, advising on economic development and supporting national cooperation on Closing the Gap initiatives.
In 2021, he was appointed Indigenous Specialist Representative for the Australian Heritage Council, advising the Australian Government on heritage matters. Prior to his role at the NNTC, Jamie was the CEO of the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, which holds native title rights in southwestern Victoria, including the Great Ocean Road. He is also an inaugural member of the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria, which is negotiating a Treaty with the Victorian Government.
Internationally, Jamie represents the NNTC at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, contributing to discussions on Indigenous rights and advocacy. His work, both nationally and internationally, emphasizes creating economic independence while preserving cultural identity, as he champions a national Treaty and other initiatives for Traditional Owners and communities across Australia. Jamie remains committed to supporting his community and fostering economic empowerment for First Nations people.
Leadership Roles
- Co-Chair, The Mabo Centre (2024-present) - Partnership between National Native Title Council and University of Melbourne
- CEO, National Native Title Council (2019-present) - Previously Chair (2017-2019) -
- Joint Council Member, Coalition of the Peaks (2020-present) - Instrumental in negotiating the Closing the Gap Agreement
- Indigenous Specialist Representative, Australian Heritage Council (2021-present) - Principal adviser to Australian Government on heritage matters
- Reserved Seat Representative, First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria (2019-present) - Representing Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation -
- Indigenous Specialist Representative, Victorian Heritage Council (2018-present)
- NNTC Representative, United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) - High-level advisory body to UN Economic and Social Council
- Former CEO, Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (2011-2019) - Led successful native title determinations in 2011 and 2023
Key Achievements
- Led Eastern Maar to successful native title determinations in 2011 and 2023, covering 8,500 square kilometres including the Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles
- Instrumental in negotiating the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (2020) - First national agreement developed in genuine partnership between governments and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peak organisations
- Key advocate following Juukan Gorge destruction (2020), calling for comprehensive cultural heritage reform and increased Traditional Owner decision-making power
- Established The Mabo Centre (2024) as inaugural Co-Chair, creating a partnership between NNTC and University of Melbourne to promote Traditional Owner economic and social empowerment
Published Works
- 2024 Mabo Lecture at AIATSIS Summit (July 2024)
- Statement on Tjiwarl Palyakuwa Historic Agreement (May 2023) - Celebrating groundbreaking compensation agreement in Western Australia
- Statement on Eastern Maar Native Title Determination (March 2023) - Historic recognition of land rights covering the Great Ocean Road
- Statement on WA Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Bill (September 2021) - Calling for halt to draft legislation
- Statement on Juukan Gorge Anniversary (May 2021) - One year on and still awaiting reform
- Statement on Deaths in Custody (April 2021) - 30 years on, deaths in custody a national shame
- Statement on Closing the Gap Agreement (February 2020)
- Statement on Rio Tinto Dismissals (September 2020) - Following Juukan Gorge destruction