Minister for Indigenous Australians
Mr Leonard Hill has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) for a term of four years.
A proud Ngemba man from north-west New South Wales, Mr Hill has a wealth of experience in Indigenous Affairs, working across Federal and State Governments, as well as Aboriginal Community Organisations over three decades.
Most recently, Mr Hill has been Acting CEO of AIATSIS, where he has provided consistent and reliable leadership through a period of change.
In this interim role Mr Hill has delivered on the Institute's strategic objectives, including expanding its presence outside of Canberra for the first time, with the opening of an AIATSIS office in Alice Springs in Central Australia.
AIATSIS is Australia's only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led national cultural institution.
AIATSIS celebrates, educates and inspires people to connect with the rights, knowledge, cultures and stories of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy:
"I warmly welcome Mr Leonard Hill as the CEO of AIATSIS. He brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to preserving and celebrating the cultures, histories and languages of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
"AIATSIS is an incredibly rich resource for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, connecting them to family, culture and identity.
"With Mr Hill at the helm I am confident AIATSIS will continue to serve as a vital link, preserving and sharing knowledge that strengthens the connection to Country and culture for generations to come.
"I congratulate Mr Hill on his appointment and look forward to working with him."
Quotes attributable to AIATSIS CEO, Mr Leonard Hill:
"I thank the Australian Government and the AIATSIS Council for instilling their trust in me to continue to lead AIATSIS.
"I proudly walk in the footsteps of those who have come before me and as we celebrate our 60 year anniversary in 2024, I look to the future of this world class organisation and focus my efforts on continuing to tell the story of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia and to create a world in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' rights, knowledges, cultures and stories are recognised, respected, celebrated and valued.
"I am immensely proud of the work we do at AIATSIS, and the partnerships forged between the Communities and organisations that embody our collective commitment and dedication to truth-telling, understanding and reconciliation between nations and peoples."
