The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation has announced the appointment of Sharon Davis, a proud Bardi and Kija person, as the inaugural chief executive.

NATSIEC said Davis, who assumes the role on 5 September, brings "a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to better and fairer Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education in Australia".

"NATSIEC plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of education for our people," said Davis.

"I am honoured to lead Australia's peak Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education body and continue the vital work of advocating for the education that our communities and families want and deserve. Education is the key to our future, and it must be grounded in our cultural knowledge, history, and identity."

NATSIEC Co-Chairs, Professor Peter Buckskin, PSM FACE, a Narungga man from the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia, and Aunty Geraldine Atkinson, a proud Bangerang/Wiradjuri woman from Northeastern Victoria, welcomed Davis to the role. They expressed confidence that Davis's vision, leadership, and unwavering dedication to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education would drive NATSIEC's mission forward and ensure that communities have the opportunities they deserve.

On Monday, NATSIEC said it is poised to further its "commitment to creating transformative change in the education sector", including developing partnerships with government, educators, and communities, advocating for policies that support the educational aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and ensuring that their voices are at the forefront of national education discourse.

NATSIEC is the national expert advisory and advocacy agency in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education. NATSIEC calls on all educators, education administrators, and community leaders to re-commit to community-informed decision-making, improved program co-design and delivery, and shared accountability to achieve these longstanding goals.

On Monday the organisation reiterated its mission to "empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, educators, and communities through education that honours and respects their cultural heritage".