Karl Hampton has been appointed chair of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Council, with Professor Brenda L. Croft named deputy chair.

The federal government announced the appointments on Thursday, marking new leadership at the country's only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander–led national cultural institution, which is internationally recognised for its research, collections and publishing.

Mr Hampton, a Warlpiri, Ngulakan and Mara man, co-founded the Warlpiri Project, which has repatriated hundreds of cultural heritage items from Australia and overseas to the Warlpiri community. He was appointed to the AIATSIS Council in 2023 and is also Director of Indigenous Strategy at the Central Desert Regional Council, as well as a member of the Aboriginal Advisory Board for the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.

Born and raised in Mparntwe/Alice Spring, he also represented the Labor Party in the electorate of Stuart in Northern Territory Legislative Assembly from 2006 until 2012.

Professor Croft, a Gurindji/Malngin/Mudburra woman from the Victoria River region of the Northern Territory, is Professor of Indigenous Art History and Curatorship at the Australian National University. She joined the AIATSIS Council earlier this year.

In June, on the 25th anniversary of the Walk for Reconciliation across Sydney Harbour Bridge, she delivered the ANU Archives 2025 Annual Lecture, sharing personal family stories and reflecting on the journey of tracing her Indigenous heritage through archival research.

Both will serve as chair and deputy chair until the end of their council terms.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, congratulated the appointees, praising their expertise and vision.

"They each bring a wealth of experience to the AIATSIS Council and their new roles," Senator McCarthy said.

"I am confident as Chair and Deputy Chair they will continue to advance the Institute's priorities and inspire all Australians to connect with First Nations knowledge, heritage and cultures.

"By deepening understanding and respect, we build a more inclusive future for all Australians."