Background

The Rural Futures program leads national initiatives that explore long-term challenges and opportunities for Australian agriculture, with an emphasis on forward looking research and strategic insights.

The Rural Futures program has undertaken a strategic shift toward a focus-area model that provides clear direction for investment and greater alignment with emerging priorities for rural Australia. As part of this transition, the program seeks to strengthen the quality and consistency of project development by engaging an Advisory Panel.

Download full guidelines here

Project requirements

The Advisory Panel will provide advice across the following activities:

• Technical and methodological components of research activities.
• Identification of existing evidence, evidence gaps, and emerging research priorities relevant to rural contexts.
• Strategic considerations to strengthen relevance, impact, and translation for rural communities and systems.
• Opportunities for stakeholder, sector, and network engagement aligned with Rural Futures objectives.

Members of the Advisory Panel are expected to:

• Provide informed, constructive, and timely advice.
• Draw on their expertise and professional networks where appropriate.
• Declare any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest.
• Maintain confidentiality of discussions and materials, unless otherwise agreed.

The Panel Member shall devote such time as is necessary for the proper performance of the Services including, but not limited to, Panel meetings at least 3 times per year. It is estimated that a time commitment of up to 20 days within a 12-month period should be expected for a Panel Member and up to 25 days within a 12-month period for the Chair.

Timeline

How to make a submission

Applications for this Request for Quote must be submitted online using the application in Smarty Grants.

Respondent’s will be expected to provide:

• Experience and understanding of Rural Future’s focus areas. (500 words approx.)
• Examples of similar work the respondent has completed. (250 words approx.)
• Capability and relevant experience. (250 words approx.)
• Applicants CV

The resultant Contract is expected to commence on Wednesday, 1 July 2026.

It is expected that a contract will be awarded based on how well a respondent addresses the objectives of the open tender. Selection will be based on the evaluation criteria. A detailed response will be beneficial.

Applications for this Request for Quote must be submitted online using the following link through Smarty Grants link here

Terms of reference

The terms of reference for the Rural Futures Advisory panel has been included as an attachment within the Smarty Grants page. These Terms of Reference provide further information regarding the Panel’s function, Panel members roles and reporting.

AgriFutures Australia uses standard form contracts and agreements for projects and research procured by AgriFutures Australia. These contracts and agreements set out the terms on which AgriFutures Australia will engage successful applicants to carry out the project. Applicants must be familiar with the contracts and agreements before submitting a response, and are advised to seek legal advice beforehand.

These contracts and agreements have been developed to reflect AgriFutures Australia’s statutory and other procurement responsibilities.

If you require any amendments to the standard agreement please complete the statement of non-compliance for each of the relevant clause. AgriFutures will then assess those requests.

Applicants will be taken to have agreed to all clauses in the Panel Service Agreement that are not referred to in a statement of non-compliance. The extent of any non-compliance will be a factor in AgriFutures Australia’s evaluation of the application.

If you require further information regarding these contracts and agreements please contact:

Stephanie-Kate Bratton
General Counsel

Contact

If you have any questions about the recruitment process or requirements in the management services, please contact: