Birds Australia’s Research and Conservation Committee is a subcommittee of Council charged with overseeing the Research and Conservation department. RACC ensures that the projects we do are relevant, strategic, and deliver good conservation and knowledge outcomes. It is made up of highly respected scientists and conservationists who donate their time and expertise for the good of the organisation and our birds. It operates under a  Terms of Reference.

RACC Sub-committees

RACC in turn oversees a range of specialist subcommittees and reviews their recommendations for Birds Australia Council. In consultation with the respective committee, RACC recommends to Council suitable persons for membership on each committee. Members of all RACC sub-committees generously donate their time to support Birds Australia. 

Threatened Bird List Committee (TBLC)

 RACC has agreed to maintain a list of threatened Australian birds. To ensure that this list is maintained at the highest professional standards it is agreed that all submissions be reviewed by an expert committee with delegates chosen from around the country.

This Committee answers to RACC and is appointed by Council. It operates under a  Terms of Reference and has a set of procedures it follows.

The initial Birds Australia threatened bird list was based on the Action Plan for Birds 2000, and the list is subject to ongoing assessment and review.

The current chair of the TBLC is Dr. Stephen Garnett.

Emu Editorial Advisory Committee (EAC)

The Emu is Birds Australia’s scientific journal, and is over 100 years old. It is Australia’s premier scientific ornithological publication. A full set of the journal is available in the National Office library and at many University libraries. Birds Australia Members can subscribe to Emu.

The Emu EAC works to ensure that Emu meets the high expectations of the ornithological community. The roles of the Emu EAC are outlined in the  Terms of Reference for the committee.

RACC reviews the Emu EAC’s annual assessment for Birds Australia Council. In consultation with the Emu EAC, RACC recommends to Council suitable persons for the committee.

The current chair of EAC is Mike Double.

Atlas Advisory Committee (AAC)

The Ongoing Atlas of Australian Birds is one of Birds Australia's largest and most successful projects. It was established to monitor the relative abundance and distribution of Australia's birds. The primary role of the Atlas Advisory Committee (AAC) is to advise Council via RACC on scientific and conservation matters relating to the project. This committee reports to each RACC meeting, and operates under a  Terms of Reference. Members are required to work in the best interest of Birds Australia.

The current chair of the AAC is Barry Baker.

Common Names Committee (CNC)

The Common Names Committee deals with the issue of which bird names should be used for Australian Birds, and operates under a  Terms of Reference.

The current chair of the CNC is Andrew Ley.

Serventy Medal Committee (SMC)

The Serventy Medal Committee assesses nominations for the award and recommends medal winners for consideration by RACC. The award follows a set of  guidelines (68kb), and the committee also has Terms of Reference (9kb).

The current chair of the SMC is Professsor Hugh Ford.

Critically Endangered Wandering Albatross hooked in fishing line © Graham Robertson

Endangered Tasmanian Masked Owl © Chris Tzaros

Emu print © Dean Ingwersen

Critically Endangered Helmeted Honeyeaters © Dean Ingwersen