The Albanese Government has appointed two new directors to the Board of Indigenous Business Australia (IBA).
Mr Brian Bero and Dr Doug McTaggart both bring extensive experience to their new roles.
Mr Bero is a Meriam (Torres Strait Islander) man. He is a Co-founder, Principal and Director of Jaramer Legal and has worked as a lawyer with the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office, Gilbert + Tobin, and several large corporations such as Qantas, Telstra and Oracle.
Dr McTaggart has extensive government and private board experience, and is currently Chair of Indigenous Business Australia Asset Management.
Ms Olga Havnen – a Western Arrernte woman who joined the IBA Board in December 2024 – has been appointed Deputy Chairperson, and Mr Joshua Gilbert, a Worimi man, has been reappointed as Director.
IBA plays a critical role in advancing the economic independence of First Nations people through expert business advice, home loans, tailored finance solutions and investment initiatives that empower individuals and businesses.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“I congratulate Mr Bero, Dr McTaggart, Ms Havnen and Mr Gilbert on their appointments and I look forward to working with them to advance the economic empowerment of First Nations people.
“I am confident that this new-look board will help deliver the Albanese Government’s drive for greater economic empowerment for First Nations people.
“Collectively this board balances a wealth of expertise with fresh perspectives. The experience of the Board will be beneficial to IBA as it enacts the recent expansion of its role and remit.”