Join your RDA FAQs

Q: When should I submit my Expressions of Interest (EOI) to join an RDA committee?
A: As members’ terms expire, publicly advertised EOI rounds are conducted to encourage a wide range of applicants. However, an EOI may be submitted at any time to be considered should a vacancy occur on a committee because of resignations or for other reasons.

 Q: How do I submit an EOI?
A: The EOI form can be completed online or through a hard copy form, which are available at the Join RDA page. Applicants who would like the form posted to them can contact the Department on 1800 505 938 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm AEDST), or email their request to rdaEOI@regional.gov.au.

Q: Once I have opened the EOI form online can I return to it at any time?
A: No. Your EOI is not ‘saved’ until you ‘submit’ it. Once you open the form you need to complete it fully as you will not be able to save your work as you progress through the form. You may want to compose your response in a Word document then copy and paste into the EOI form.

Q. Will I be able to change my EOI once I have submitted it?
A: No. When you ‘Submit’ your EOI you will see a summary of your application with the advice to ‘Print’ or ‘Save as a PDF’. You should keep a copy of you EOI, either electronically or in hard copy for you own records using the Print or PDF functionality.

Q: If I am a current RDA member, do I have to submit a new EOI?
A: Yes. This will enable you to update your skills and experience and include information that may be relevant to the current skills needs on the committee.

Q : If I am currently a member of the RDA committee and submit a new EOI, will I be re-appointed?
A: Your EOI will be sent to the relevant Ministers for consideration along with all other EOIs that have been submitted for your RDA. Consideration is given to the makeup of the committee by taking into account the skill needs identified by the RDA, the geographic and cultural diversity and the demographic profile of the region. Ministers will also seek to ensure that a representative gender balance and age range is evident on the whole committee. There is no guarantee that you will be re-appointed however, your valuable contribution will be acknowledged.

Q: I don't want to submit the form online. What do I do?
A: Please contact the Department on 1800 505 938 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm AEDST) and the EOI Form and EOI Information Booklet will be mailed to you.
 
Q: What happens to my EOI once I have submitted it?
A: The EOI and appointment process is as follows:

• the Department will check that your EOI contains relevant information and that all questions have been answered
• your EOI information will be sent to the relevant Ministers and possibly the Chair of your nominated RDA
• Australian Government and state/territory Ministers (and in some states, the Local Government Association) will consider all EOIs and make decisions about appointments, and
• you will be advised of the outcome of your EOI.

Q: How long will the EOI and appointment process take?
A: Appointments to committees are made by the Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government and in most jurisdictions, the state/territory Minister responsible for regional development. In some jurisdictions the Local Government Association is also a signatory to appointments so the appointment process is lengthy and may take in excess of six months from the time an expression of interest is submitted.

 Q: How long are the appointments for?
A: Terms of appointments are generally up to four years. However, the length of appointment varies between individual states and territories.
 
Q: Will I be contacted after submission of the EOI form?
A: Receipt of your EOI will be acknowledged automatically when you click ‘Submit’. If submitting an EOI via email or post, the Department will acknowledge receipt by email or letter within five working days. You will be advised of the outcome of your EOI in writing once Minister(s) have made decisions on appointments.
 
Q : When will I be notified about my successful/unsuccessful EOI?
A: The outcome of your EOI will be conveyed to you in writing once the relevant Minister(s) have finalised appointments. This could take in excess of six months.

Q: What happens to my EOI if I am unsuccessful?
A: The letter advising that you have been unsuccessful will seek permission for your EOI to be placed on a Casual Vacancy List to be considered should a vacancy occur on your nominated RDA. Your EOI will remain on this list until you advise the Department that you would like it removed or until a new round of EOIs is publicly advertised. If you choose not to be placed on this list your EOI will be archived.