Duane Fraser
A Wulgurukaba and Bidjara Traditional Owner, Duane Fraser has dedicated his career to the advancement of Traditional Owner-led governance and cultural authority across a vast array of sectors. As the CEO of the Council of First Nations, he spearheads the creation of a unified national body, amplifying the voices of First Nations organisations across Australia. His journey has included pivotal roles in government, research, tourism, and conservation, where he consistently champions Indigenous rights and environmental stewardship, blending policy expertise with cultural insight.
In addition to his current roles as Co-Chair of the Reef Traditional Owner Taskforce (ReefTO), Board Director at the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia, Deputy Chair of the National Environmental Science Program and a Leadership Group Member at the National Indigenous Environmental Research Network, Duane has previously held Board Member Positions on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Tourism & Events Queensland. He was elected as a AIATSIS Council member in 2021 and served as Chairperson of the Indigenous Advisory Committee EPBC Act, serving four Ministers over eight years.
Duane is a passionate advocate for the empowerment of Indigenous peoples globally, striving to protect their biocultural landscapes and ensure they have full and effective participation in all facets of public life. His life’s work is driven by a dedication to creating lasting, positive impact for Indigenous communities. As a father of a young daughter, he remains committed to a future where First Nations peoples hold full control over their own futures.
