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Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr Doug McTaggart FAICD and Mr Brian Bero to its Board of Directors.
Dr Doug McTaggart's extensive experience and distinguished career in economics, finance, and governance will significantly enhance IBA's strategic direction and commitment to economic empowerment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Dr McTaggart holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Chicago and has held prominent roles across academia, public service, and the corporate sector. His tenure as CEO of the Queensland Investment Corporation saw the organisation achieve remarkable growth and diversification. Dr McTaggart's leadership was instrumental in navigating complex economic landscapes and driving sustainable financial performance.
In addition to his executive experience, Dr McTaggart has served on numerous boards, including the Suncorp Group, Spark Infrastructure, and the QIMR Berghofer Institute of Medical Research. His deep understanding of economic principles, coupled with his strategic vision, positions him as a valuable asset to the IBA Board.
Meriam man Brian Bero joins Dr McTaggart on appointment to IBA. Mr Bero brings his commercial and corporate legal knowledge along with his community experience to a strong majority Indigenous board. Brian is a co-founder and Principal Lawyer of Jaramer Legal, a national Indigenous owned commercial and corporate law firm. He has worked as a lawyer for government, large corporations and big law firms, and continues to advise all levels of government, corporations, and Indigenous organisations in his current capacity at Jaramer Legal. He has specific experience in the clean energy, telecommunications and information technology industries as well as general commercial law.
Mr Bero is passionate about Indigenous self-empowerment and socially responsible economic development for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. He is currently a director on the Boards of Aboriginal Community Housing Ltd, Ilbijerri Theatre Company and Original Power. Mr Bero is also a member of the First Nations Clean Energy Network, Panel Advisory member for the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), and Panel Advisory member for the First Nations Trade Unit under DFAT.
The Australian Senate recently passed a historic change to IBA’s legislation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005, which allows IBA to expand its lending and finance opportunities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to meet growing demand. Dr McTaggart worked as part of IBA’s Expert Panel for this significant change and has also been a board member of IBA Asset Management Pty Ltd, demonstrating his expertise in the agency’s growing investment space.
IBA Chairperson, Darren Godwell, comments on the new appointment and skills it brings to the IBA Board.
"We are delighted to welcome Dr Doug McTaggart and Mr Brian Bero to the IBA Board of Directors. Their profound expertise in economics and governance, along with their commitment to fostering economic opportunities for First Nations Australians, will be invaluable as we continue to support Indigenous businesses and communities."
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy congratulated the appointees and looks 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.”
Dr McTaggart’s and Mr Bero’s appointments coincide with the strong community focus on the reappointment of Director Josh Gilbert, and escalation of Olga Havnen to Deputy Chairperson.
Media contact: Tara Toohill 02 9207 6362 or tara.toohill@iba.gov.au
