Dr John Patterson, a leading voice for change and Aboriginal health in the Northern Territory for more than 40 years, will retire as CEO of the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT.

After almost two decades in the role, Dr Patterson will step down, leaving behind a career defined by advocacy and community leadership. He has been a tireless campaigner for the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal Territorians, unafraid to call out government inaction and policies that harm First Nations people. Throughout his career, he played a pivotal role in strengthening the Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health sector and promoting community-led solutions to enhance health outcomes.

"John's legacy is immense," said AMSANT Chairperson Rob McPhee. "He has been a fearless advocate for Aboriginal health, a mentor to countless leaders, and a driving force behind lasting change.

"On behalf of the AMSANT Board, staff and member services, we thank John for his extraordinary contribution and wish him the very best for a well-earned retirement."

Dr Patterson has worked in Aboriginal affairs at local, Territory and Federal levels since 1979. Reflecting on his career, he described it as the "privilege of my life" to work alongside communities, "working with, learning from, and standing alongside Aboriginal people to ensure health systems respect our culture, respond to our realities, and meet our needs".

"I have seen what is possible when governments trust Aboriginal people to lead the solutions," he said.

Over his career, he has held numerous leadership roles across Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), including Chair of the NT Aboriginal Health Forum, Convenor of the Aboriginal Peak Organisations NT (APO NT), and member of the National Coalition of Peak Aboriginal Organisations (CoPs) in developing the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

In recognition of his leadership, particularly during the pandemic, Charles Darwin University awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Arts in 2022.

"While I retire from this role, I know the sector is strong, united and ready to continue this work," he said. "I look forward to watching AMSANT and our member services build on this progress and deliver the next chapter of better health for our people."

A born and bred Territorian with family ties to the Ngalakan people of Ngukurr, Dr Patterson has been an outspoken critic of government policies — on both sides of politics —affecting Aboriginal communities. Recently, he has condemned the CLP Government's continued failure to meet Closing the Gap targets, criticised the decision to enforce a dress code for Darwin public transport, and opposed plans to arm public safety officers.

He was particularly scathing of the decision to allow civilians to carry capsicum spray, calling it a "misguided policy" and "the latest example of poor lawmaking from the CLP".

"This decision will cause harm, deepen community distrust, and exacerbate already dangerous racial divisions. It offers no positive outcomes and will instead trigger a range of unintended consequences," he said, noting it is especially dangerous given the Territory's housing, homelessness and incarceration crises; all of which disproportionately impact First Nations people, particularly those sleeping rough who are often criminalised.

"The Territory has nearly 6,000 people on the public housing waitlist. One in five Aboriginal people here are experiencing homelessness. We have 13 times the national rate of people sleeping rough," he said.

"This crisis is driven by overcrowded housing, family and domestic violence, incarceration, and chronic underinvestment in social services. The same government that is pushing more people onto the street is now arming the public with a harmful weapon. It defies all logic."

Speaking on Larrakia Country during the 2025 National NAIDOC Week celebrations in July, he highlighted the ongoing challenges facing Aboriginal Territorians.

"We're still struggling for proper housing, for youth supports, for healthcare that puts culture at the centre. We see more money for policing, but not enough investment in community-led solutions," he said.

"Here in the NT, our young people are too often criminalised rather than cared for. And too many decisions are still being made without us."

In a statement, AMSANT described Dr Patterson's work as instrumental in "advancing policies, improving healthcare infrastructure, and advocating for culturally safe and accessible services".

"His efforts have helped establish many of the systems and programs that support Aboriginal people living in remote and urban communities across the NT," the statement said.

AMSANT confirmed interim leadership arrangements will be announced soon.

"The organisation remains committed to John's vision," a spokesperson said. "Well-supported Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs), stronger infrastructure, government partnership, and sustainable health equity for Aboriginal communities across the Northern Territory."