Joint Media Release
Prime Minister, The Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP

The Government has today announced a series of appointments to the Prime Minister’s Indigenous Advisory Council as part of its ongoing commitment to the Council and a close engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The appointments reflect the expertise and innovation that exist in Indigenous Australia and we look forward to working with the new Council to support better engagement and drive better outcomes for our First Australians.

The following Council members have been appointed for a period of three years:

• Andrea Mason – CEO of the NPY Women’s Council
• Susan Murphy – CEO of Winun Ngari Aboriginal Corporation
• Ngiare Brown – Professor of Indigenous Health at the University of Wollongong
• Roy Ah See – Chair of the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council
• Chris Sarra – Founder and Chairman of the Stronger Smarter Institute
• Djambawa Marawilli – Traditional owner from Baniyala

All members of the Council announced today are highly respected in their chosen fields. This will ensure the Council is able to provide the Government with a range of expert advice to help deliver better outcomes for Indigenous people.

Today’s announcement is part of a two-staged appointment process. The new Council members will meet and provide advice to the Government on any additional appointments required – including from other Indigenous Australians who have already shown leadership and interest in being a part of the Council.

Beyond this, the Council is expected to work with and draw in other Indigenous Australians to ensure it is as representative and engaging as it can be.

The Council plays an important role at the heart of Government, including with the Indigenous Policy Committee of Cabinet. It also reflects the Government’s deep commitment to doing things with Indigenous Australians in a genuine partnership.

We have asked that the Council continue to focus on the Government’s priorities of education, community safety and justice and employment. In addition, we have asked it to focus on economic development, land and sea, health, youth and the importance of culture.

We thank the members of the Council who have served over the past three years, in particular Warren Mundine for his service as Chair. We look forward to continuing to work with these individuals and seeking their guidance given their experience and expertise.

Biographies of the new Council members are available.