Former Northern Territory government minister Matthew Bonson has been appointed chief executive of the Anindilyakwa Land Council.
Mr Bonson, a Gurindji, Jawyon and Torres Strait Islander man, will officially start in his new role at the Land Council in the Groote Archipelago on April 29.
Mr Bonson said he is excited to advance the ALC's strategic priorities, advocating for Traditional Owners and shaping a sustainable post-mining Future Groote economy.
"The ALC has paved the way with the Local-Decision-Making Agreement but there is still so much to achieve for the Anindilyakwa people. I am proud to join such a forward thinking organisation, and I am excited about the opportunities," Mr Bonson said.
Mr Bonson brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the ALC with more than 20 years of extensive management and policy experience in government, justice and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations. As a former Member of Parliament, he was the Minister for Youth and Sport, Recreation and Corporate Information Services.
During his period in the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly (2001-2008), Mr Bonson also served as Minister Assisting the Chief Minister on Multicultural Affairs.
He has also held positions such as Assistant Director Literacy for Parents Program Early Years and Primary, Senior Policy Officer at the Department of Health, CEO of the Council for Aboriginal Alcohol, and Law and Programs Manager at Central Australian Aboriginal Legal Aid Service, and has served on numerous National and Territory appointed Boards for 18 years.
"I am looking forward to leading the ALC to advance the strategic priorities, advocate for Traditional Owners and shape a post-mining Future Groote economy," Mr Bonson said.
"I look forward to leading the organisation during this crucial time and I take this responsibility seriously and will dedicate myself to working with the board and members to achieve their families' dreams."
The former ALC chief executive, Mark Hewitt, a non-Indigenous man, was dismissed by the Council in October in response to an investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission over corruption allegations.
Since then, the Anindilyakwa Land Council has seen some positive developments, including the completion of the Anindilyakwa Healing Centre in March, and the official appointment of the first members of the inaugural Groote Archipelago Regional Council earlier this month.
ALC Chair Cherelle Wurrawilya said the organisation have been tirelessly working on recruitment of a new CEO.
"It took time, effort, and ideas to ensure that the right person was selected to lead the ALC," Ms Wurrawilya said.
"We are excited to have Mr Bonson on board to help us realise our vision for the Anindilyakwa people. We have achieved a lot in seven years since the Local Decision Making Agreement was signed but we still have a long way to go.
"The ALC remains steadfast in its vision to enable the Anindilyakwa people to take full advantage of the opportunities and technology available while simultaneously preserving land, language and culture. This is the directive given by the 14 clans of the Archipelago."
A six-week recruitment campaign was undertaken by the ALC through a 100 percent First Nations recruiting agency, Pipeline Talent, which "empowers First Nations excellence and connects them to leadership opportunities".
