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Ambassador for First Nations people

08 March 2023
Culture and Capability Indigenous Advancement Strategy Jobs, Land and Economy
Media Release

Today we are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Justin Mohamed as Australia’s inaugural Ambassador for First Nations People.

Mr Mohamed will lead the Office of First Nations Engagement in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Together they will work in genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to progress Indigenous rights globally, and help grow First Nations trade and investment.

Elevating the perspectives of First Nations people – this land’s first diplomats – enables deeper engagement with many of our closest partners including the Pacific family.

This new position ensures, for the first time, that Australia will have dedicated Indigenous representation in our international engagement.

Mr Mohamed is a Gooreng Gooreng man from Bundaberg, Queensland and brings a strong connection to community.

Currently Deputy Secretary of Aboriginal Justice in the Victorian Government, Mr Mohamed has worked for decades in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, social justice and reconciliation, in roles spanning the Aboriginal community, government and corporate sectors.

He was previously Chief Executive Officer for Reconciliation Australia, Chairperson of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, and has represented Indigenous organisations internationally, including at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

Mr Mohamed will commence as Ambassador in April.

Quotes attributable to Mr Justin Mohamed:

“I am honoured to be appointed as the inaugural Ambassador for First Nations People and excited about the opportunities ahead to embed First Nations voices and knowledge into Australia’s foreign policies and trade.

“I am looking forward to sitting down and listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the country, as we develop foreign policies that have First Nations People’s knowledges, voice and connection to country front and centre.”