Minister for Indigenous Australians, The Hon Linda Burney MP, has sent a clear message to Sir Roland Wilson Pat Turner scholars and alumni that more First Nations people are needed in public sector leadership positions.

Sir Roland Wilson Pat Turner scholars gathered at The Australian National University (ANU) for the 2022 Pat Turner Scholar Forum on 16 September.

In a pre-recorded message, Minister Burney spoke of her desire to have more First Nations people working in and leading the public sector. This, combined with the Voice to Parliament, “will create better policies, better legislation and therefore better outcomes for First Nations people across the country,” Minister Burney said.

The Forum, themed ‘Indigenous innovation and leadership’, was an opportunity for scholars and alumni to connect with leaders, experts and colleagues across government, academia and community.

Scholars and alumni heard Ms Karen Mundine, CEO of Reconciliation Australia; Mr Joe Hedger, Partner at Indigenous Services Group, Deloitte; and Ms Julie-Ann Guivarra, Group Manager, Strategic Policy at National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) reflect on leadership, particularly during times of crisis.

Ms Mundine prompted scholars to consider their innate leadership skills.

“Each and every person in this room is a leader. You don’t have to have it written into your job title,” Ms Mundine said.

She reminded scholars to be honest with themselves and stay true to their purpose.

Participants also heard from Ms Katrina Fanning PSM, Director of Coolamon Advisors; Mr Geoff Richardson PSM, Executive of First Nations Development Services; Professor Ruth Wallace, Dean of the College of Indigenous Futures, Education and the Arts at Charles Darwin University; Dr John Walker, Branch Manager of the Voice Branch in the Empowerment and Recognition Group at NIAA; and Mr Jason Oakley, Acting Branch Manager of the Truth-Telling Branch at NIAA.

The Forum inspired scholars to reflect on their career and the ways in which they could leverage their new skills, knowledge and networks to contribute to public policy and support the implementation of the Voice agenda upon their return to the Australian Public Service.

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

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