The South Australian government has appointed Dale Agius as the state's new Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People.
Mr Agius has been appointed for a three-year term following the conclusion of inaugural commissioner April Lawrie's two terms in the role.
During her terms as inaugural Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, Ms Lawrie lead the Inquiry into the application of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle in the removal and placement of Aboriginal children and young people in South Australia, a report the South Australian Government says it "has taken seriously".
Following his appointment, Mr Agius commended Ms Lawrie on her contribution.
"I would like to say a massive thank you to outgoing inaugural Commissioner April Lawrie for her strong uncompromising leadership, her relentless commitment to the Holding on to our Future report is a testament of strong principals of social justice for our community," Mr Agius said.
The Kaurna, Narungga, Ngadjuri and Ngarrindjeri man said he was eager to continue work completed by Ms Lawrie.
"I look forward to carrying on the recommendations in that report and bringing together efforts from across government agencies to work towards better initiatives to support the wellbeing and aspirations of Aboriginal children and young people, while keeping the government accountable on efforts for closing the gap and delivering the standards and fairness of equality for the Aboriginal community within South Australia," he said.
Mr Agius enters the role with more than two decades of experience in strategic leadership and advocacy for Aboriginal children, families and communities.
He has held positions across the public service including the Director of Aboriginal Practice and Partnerships in the Department of Human Services, and the Director of Aboriginal Practice in the Department of Child Protection.
South Australian Member for Wright, Blair Boyer, congratulated Mr Agius on his appointment, saying "his leadership, cultural advocacy and community engagement will be critical to his success in this role".
"Mr Agius has extensive experience in statewide engagement with Aboriginal communities, advocating for inclusive representation and policy reforms and I look forward to working with him over the next three years," he said.
In announcing Mr Agius as her predecessor, Mr Boyer also paid tribute to Ms Lawie's impact on Aboriginal affairs in South Australia.
"I would like to take the opportunity to thank Ms Lawrie for her leadership and tireless work and advocacy in the role addressing the rights and wellbeing of South Australia's Aboriginal children and young people," he said.
"In particular I would like to highlight her work bringing the Holding on to Our Future report to SA parliament last year, with recommendations for reducing the rates of Aboriginal children in out-of-home care, including amendments to the state's child protection law to support compliance with the full Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle.
"This report is a significant step forward in truth telling and provides a roadmap for change to ensure Aboriginal children grow up safe and connected to family, community and culture, and that their voices are heard."
Mr Agius will commence the role on April 5.
