Government Business Managers

Government Business Managers (GBMs) have been appointed to Indigenous communities as part of the Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER), announced by the former Australian Government in June 2007.

GBMs are the single face of the Australian Government at the local community level. They will be in place in communities for at least five years and may service more than one community. 

GBMs are leading the coordination of Australian Government work to ensure the effective whole-of-government delivery of services and to maximise the benefits of Australian Government funding provided to the community.

The GBMs:

• provide the key liaison and consultation point in communities, including communicating the NTER measures at the local level, engaging with elders, and working collaboratively with other government representatives (including at the Territory and local levels)
• manage and coordinate the day-to-day activities of staff from different Australian Government agencies based in the community
• provide feedback on progress and local issues and concerns to government and to the NTER Operations Centre, Indigenous Coordination Centres and the NT FaHCSIA State Office. Their knowledge and information will guide coordinated government action and decision making that is tailored to the particular needs of a community.

At November 2008 there are 53 GBMs servicing 73 communities and town camps in Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine and Elliott.

In areas where GBMs are not deployed, such as outstations and certain town camps, the NTER Operations Centre, FaHCSIA State Office and Indigenous Coordination Centres are working to coordinate the Australian Government effort.