A Graduate Diploma of Economics while on Sir Roland Wilson Pat Turner scholarship has helped Peter Bligh better coordinate and analyse policies and programs, while incorporating and championing Indigenous voices.

Peter Bligh was the first Sir Roland Wilson Pat Turner scholar to graduate from ANU in 2020.

Since his graduation, Mr Bligh has been able to directly apply the economic and mathematical concepts he learnt at ANU to research and policy formulation at work – to the benefit of the APS and First Nations Australians.

“Being able to understand and synthesise information in an economically literate way has allowed me to better and fully coordinate and analyse policies and programs. It has provided an effective vehicle for incorporating and championing Indigenous voices, experience, influence and perspectives in places and ways that would not have otherwise been possible.”

Mr Bligh returned to the APS to a promotion, as Director – Indigenous Country and Governance at the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Studies (AIATSIS).

“At AIATSIS, I designed and undertook a program of cutting edge research and data/information services to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. I also provided critical advice to and platforms for Indigenous leaders, decision-makers and governments to appropriately recognise, protect and enhance the rights of Indigenous peoples, especially in relation to Country and self-government.”

He has since moved to the National Indigenous Australians Agency and now works as the Senior Advisor to the Native Title Policy and Agreements team. Mr Bligh and his team have agency responsibility for native title policy issues such as compensation, legislation, reform, settlements and international engagement on land related issues.

Since graduating, Mr Bligh has been an active member of the Sir Roland Wilson Foundation’s alumni community. He has supported current and prospective scholars and returned to Foundation events to share his scholarship and return to service experiences.

“I encourage scholars to be proactive about their career, think ahead about what you are missing to get where you want to be, and have a plan for how you will get there,” Mr Bligh said.

The Sir Roland Wilson Pat Turner Scholarship is a one-to-three-year full pay scholarship for any level of postgraduate study at The Australian National University (ANU) or Charles Darwin University (CDU) for high performing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian Public Service (APS) 4 to SES Band 1 APS employees.

Read more about the Sir Roland Wilson Foundation. Stay up to date by following us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.