- Nine new members appointed and two reappointed to the Aboriginal Advisory Council of Western Australia (the Council)
- Refreshed Council comprised of 13 members made up of Aboriginal leaders with a rich diversity in professions, experience, and culture
- Outgoing members whose term concludes in August thanked for invaluable contributions
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti is pleased to announce the appointment of nine new members to the Aboriginal Advisory Council of Western Australia.
The Council welcomes the following members from 27 August 2024 who each bring unique and valuable leadership to the group:
- Ms Jenny Bedford;
- Ms Rebecca Blurton;
- Ms Joslyn Eades-Tass;
- Mr Anthony Hansen;
- Ms Maureen Kelly OAM;
- Mr Michael Ogilvie;
- Mr Damien Parriman;
- Ms Rani Randall; and
- Ms Irene Stainton AO.
Two current members have been reappointed, Ms Gail Beck OAM and Mr Martin Sibosado. These appointed members will join current members Ms Rowena Leslie and Mr Preston Thomas, totalling 13 people on the refreshed Council.
Council membership consists of Aboriginal leaders representing diversity in gender, age, region, and professional backgrounds.
The Council's role has continued to elevate and is recognised as a strategic partner to Government in providing guidance and advice on fundamental pieces of work which impact Aboriginal people and communities, including the implementation of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
The Council is established under Section 18 of the Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority Act 1972 and advises the Western Australian Government on matters relating to interests and the wellbeing of Aboriginal people.
It enables a genuine, respectful, and reciprocal relationship between Aboriginal people and the WA Government to achieve better economic, social and cultural outcomes for Aboriginal people living in Western Australia.
Earlier this year, an expression of interest process was launched to fill vacancies on the Council noting the end-of-term of six longstanding Council members in August. These outgoing members helped to strengthen and re-establish the Council's core functions and have had a lasting impact on Aboriginal affairs in our State.
Comments attributed to Aboriginal Affairs Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"I would like to congratulate the members on their appointment, and I look forward to working together to drive the vision of a reconciled and equal future for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
"Thank you to outgoing members Mr Daniel Brown, Ms Merle Carter, Ms Linda Dridi,Ms Corina Martin OAM, Ms Vicki O'Donnell OAM, and Mr Fabian Tuckerfor their invaluable contributions to the WA Government through the Council.
"The WA Government is committed to improving economic, social and cultural outcomes for Aboriginal people and the Council plays an important role in helping to achieve this."
