Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) has marked a potential break from a protracted turbulent period with the appointment of Trent Wilkinson as the organisation's new General Manager.

APY said Mr Wilkinson would work to "rebuild confidence" in the long-troubled organisation.

The native title body's formal period of administration ended on Thursday, 4 December.

Mr Wilkinson, who commenced in the role on 1 December, brings more than three decades of experience working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia.

APY said the new GM's background spans Indigenous governance, land and heritage conservation, cultural tourism, enterprise development, remote program delivery, and cross-cultural community engagement.

Mr Wilkinson has served as Managing Director of Indigenous Economic Development Pty Ltd, providing governance support, enterprise development, participatory planning and organisational mentoring to Aboriginal organisations nationally.

His consultancy has assisted communities to build stronger governance systems, create job pathways, strengthen compliance, and grow cultural and commercial enterprises.

He has held senior roles with Indigenous organisations, including General Manager of Njanjma Aboriginal Corporation and Business Development Manager at Djabulukgu Association Incorporated (DAI), as well as program and project roles with the Northern Territory and Queensland governments.

A new era for APY?

In a statement issued Thursday, APY acknowledged the South Australian Attorney-General's Department - Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and the APY Administrator for their leadership and support throughout the administration period.

On 14 November, National Indigenous Times revealed a South Australian parliamentary inquiry examining governance issues in APY had been halted at the eleventh hour.

The inquiry, which was to be held by the eight members of SA's Budget and Finance Committee, was indefinitely paused by four members who said the Committee should hear from the then APY Executive Board administrator Austin Taylor before proceeding.

Days later, the administration offices of the APY in Umuwa were raided by South Australian police. Officers removed boxes of documentation and told staff to vacate the premises during the action.

The raids followed governance issues at the APY since 2012 and multiple investigations, one which forced the exit of former General Manager Richard King after an inquiry by conciliator Greg Rooney found the recruitment process of a new general manager in breach of the APY code of conduct.

Mr Taylor was appointed administrator in September after the Board was suspended in August due to governance concerns detailed in a report by Mr Rooney.

New GM's goals are consistency, stability and outcomes for communities

Mr Wilkinson said he was "energised" by the opportunity to support the Executive Board and Anangu communities to build and strengthen APY's operations.

"With a lifelong commitment to land, culture and heritage conservation, I am humbled by the opportunity to work alongside the APY Executive Board and staff to protect and strengthen the natural and cultural values of the 103,000 square kilometres that make up the APY Lands," he said.

"The warm welcome I've received from Anangu, APY staff, RASAC, Nganampa Health, Ernabella Arts and so many others has been deeply appreciated. It's clear there is pride, passion and determination here, and I look forward to contributing to a positive future for the Anangu not yet born."

Mr Wilkinson said one of his first priorities is supporting a strong and confident APY Executive Board, backed by "consistent governance, operational stability and measurable outcomes for communities".

He said growing commercial and social enterprise opportunities will be central to strengthening economic participation and creating long-term employment on country.

"Commercial and social enterprise development is the sincerest pathway to self-determination and financial independence," Mr Wilkinson said.

"My focus will be on opening new pathways for Anangu to live, work and build careers on country, while ensuring cultural authority remains at the centre of decision-making."

Mr Wilkinson expressed appreciation for the commitment of the federal government and the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) in supporting Anangu country, culture and community.

APY said Mr Wilkinson will work closely with the APY Executive Board, community councils, regional partners and service organisations to strengthen governance, rebuild confidence and support Anangu-led priorities across land management, youth development, culture, infrastructure, and enterprise.

December 4 marks the end of the administration period.