Research Advisory Committees (RACs) play a vital role in ensuring FRDC investment delivers real impact.

There are eight RACs – one representing each State, the Commonwealth, and the Northern Territory – providing advice on priorities and investment needs relevant to the public good and for sectors not covered under our Industry Partnership Agreements.

The RACs will help us deliver the FRDC R&D Plan 2020-2025 by:

• Taking the lead in identifying, synthesising and aggregating stakeholder priorities.
• Considering avenues for delivery of R&D outputs and identifying suitable extension activities.
• Assisting in monitoring FRDC-invested activities and aiding in the delivery of outputs.
• Helping to identify potential external technical reviewers of applications, including RAC members with suitable expertise and no conflicts of interest.

For further information refer to the RAC Management Procedure.

RAC membership

RAC membership incorporates people with broad fishing, aquaculture and community (including Indigenous) expertise to provide situational awareness and access to their networks.

Committee membership is for a two‐year term and committee members are paid a sitting fee for participation at RAC meetings (unless they are a government employee without a separate ABN).

RAC meetings

RACs convene at least twice a year, with increasing numbers of RAC meetings hosted online via Microsoft Teams. The FRDC coordinates and provides management support for RACs.

The next meeting dates will be confirmed.

RAC Chairs

Independent Chairs lead RAC meetings. The FRDC appoints a small number of common Chairs who preside over two to three RACs each. Chairs have a three-year tenure and are paid a sitting fee.

A selection panel comprising the relevant Director of Fisheries and the FRDC selects each RAC Chair and member.

For an overview of current RAC members and previous supported research: