Appointment to the National Museum of Australia Council

The Albanese Labor Government has today announced the appointment of Ms Karen Mundine and the reappointment of Ms Natasha Bowness to the National Museum of Australia Council, each for a three-year term.

The National Museum of Australia is dedicated to safeguarding and sharing Australia’s rich and diverse stories through researching, collecting, preserving and exhibiting the country’s historical material.

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the appointees’ extensive skills and experience would keep the council and museum in safe hands.

“Karen has been instrumental in some of Australia’s most defining national events, including the National Apology to the Stolen Generations. Her passionate advocacy for First Nations people will be a great asset to the council. 

“I’d also like to extend my thanks to Natasha for continuing to lend her skills and doing an excellent job as Deputy Chair of the council.”

Ms Karen Mundine has been the Chief Executive Officer of Reconciliation Australia since 2017. She currently sits on a number of boards including the Australians for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition, which engages with individuals, networks and organisations across Australia. 

Ms Mundine worked on the National Apology in 2008, Corroboree in 2000, and the 1997 and 2021 Australian Reconciliation Conventions. She also advocated for social change as a member of the Referendum Engagement Group from 2022-2023, which reported to the Minister for Indigenous Australians. 

Ms Mundine is the winner of the Australian Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership 2023, and was awarded the Indigenous Australian University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) Alumni award in 2021. She is also on the Board of Directors for the Sydney Festival.

Ms Natasha Bowness is currently the Deputy Chair of the National Museum of Australia Council and Chairs the Audit, Finance, and Risk Committee. 

Ms Bowness also sits as the Director and Chair of Wilbow Group and Chair of the Bowness Family Foundation which focuses on providing access and opportunity in the areas of arts and culture, disability and education. She is a member of the Australian Ballet Foundation board, President of the Australian Ballet Annual Giving Program, and a trustee of Helen Macpherson Smith Trust. She has also served as Chair of the Museum of Australian Photography.

Ms Bowness was formerly the Director of Creative Partnerships Australia, and the Chair of the Monash Gallery of Art Committee of Management.