The Expert Panel supports the Advisory Group and our work to close the digital inclusion gap.

Expert panel role

  • Provide expert advice on telecommunications, infrastructure, data and broadcasting issues.
  • Do a thorough test for gaps in the evidence base.
  • Look for technical and data-based ways to address digital inclusion issues affecting First Nations people.
  • Analyse evidence for how to address digital inclusion barriers such as access to the internet, affordable services and devices, and digital literacy.

Expert panel membership

Membership of the Expert Panel is open to experts identified by the Chair.

Current members

Ms Lauren Ganley is a descendant of the Kamilaroi people who lives on Larrakia country in Darwin. She is the Head of Telstra’s First Nations Strategy and Engagement Team.

Dr Daniel Featherstone is the Senior Research Fellow at RMIT who leads the Mapping the Digital Gap project.

Ms Gillian Mailman is a proud Bidjara Woman based in Cairns, Queensland and the Managing Director of Fibre Optics NQ.

Dr Scott Winch is a Wiradjuri man and the Director of Data Sovereignty for the NSW Coalition of Aboriginal peaks.

Mr Che Cockatoo-Collins has family connections to Ku Ku Yalanji, Yupangathi, Gangalidda and Gunggari peoples. He is the Executive Manager of Indigenous Affairs at NBN Co.

Professor Ellie Rennie is a Principal Research Fellow at RMIT’s Digital Ethnography Research Centre.

Mr Neil Turner is the Manager of Pilbara and Kimberley Aboriginal Media.

Ms Cheryl Bailey is a Muruwari and Kooma woman and is the founder and managing director of Indigenous Technology.

Mr Dan Lloyd joins the Expert Panel with more than 20 years of domestic and international experience in the telecommunications sector across the private sector and government.

Functions of the Expert Panel

Members of the Expert Panel can attend Advisory Group meetings and take part in discussions if the Chair invites it.

Members of the Expert Panel cannot vote in formal decisions made by the Advisory Group.