List of Indigenous Australians in politics and public service facts for kids
Indigenous Australian people have made huge contributions to Australia's public life. They have been important in politics, government, and working for the community. Many have also been leaders in areas like law, education, and human rights. This page shares some of their amazing achievements.
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Indigenous Australians in Politics and Government
For a long time, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people did not have the same voting rights as other Australians. But things changed! In 1962, all Aboriginal people gained the right to vote in federal elections. Later, in 1983, voting became compulsory for them, just like for everyone else. This was a big step towards equal rights.
Important Political Leaders
Many Indigenous Australians have become important political figures. So far, 52 Indigenous people have been elected to parliaments across Australia. This includes the national parliament and parliaments in different states and territories. It's great to see more Indigenous voices in government!
- Sir Douglas Nicholls was a very special leader. He was the first Indigenous Australian to become a Governor of an Australian state (South Australia) in 1976.
- Ernie Bridge was the first Indigenous Australian to become a minister in a government. This means he was in charge of a specific area of government work.
- Neville Bonner made history in 1971. He was the first Indigenous man to become a member of the Federal Parliament, which is Australia's main government body. He was later the first to be successfully elected in 1972.
- Pat Eatock was the first known Indigenous woman to run for a federal election in 1972.
- Neville Perkins was the first Indigenous Leader of the Opposition in the Northern Territory from 1977 to 1981. This means he led the main party that was not in power.
- Aden Ridgeway was elected to the Australian Senate in 1998. He was the only First Nations person in Federal Parliament for a while. He was also the first Aboriginal person to be a deputy leader of a political party (the Australian Democrats). In 1999, he made history by using an Indigenous language in Federal Parliament for the first time.
- Marion Scrymgour was the first Indigenous woman to become a minister. She also became the Deputy Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, making her the highest-ranked Indigenous woman in a government at that time (2007-2009).
- Adam Giles was the first Indigenous Australian to lead a government. He became the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory in 2013.
- Kyam Maher was appointed Attorney General of South Australia in 2022. This is a very important legal role in government.
- Pat Dixon was the first Aboriginal woman elected to local government in Australia. Local government deals with things like parks and roads in your local area.
- Jacinta Nampijinpa Price was elected Senator for the Northern Territory in 2022. She was appointed Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians in 2023.
- Warren Mundine was the first Indigenous Australian to become the National President of the Australian Labor Party, one of Australia's major political parties.
Making a Difference: Public Service
Many Indigenous Australians work in public service. This means they work for the government or other public organisations to help the community. They work in many different areas, from health and education to culture and justice. Here are some examples of their important roles:
| Name | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Harry Allie | First Indigenous Elder of the Australian Air Force |
| Ian Anderson | Former Deputy Secretary for Indigenous Affairs |
| Pat Anderson | Human rights advocate and Chair of Batchelor Institute |
| Jody Broun | CEO of the National Indigenous Australians Agency |
| Geoff Clark | Led the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) |
| Tanya Denning-Orman | Director of Indigenous Content at NITV (National Indigenous Television) |
| Mick Gooda | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner |
| John Gorrie | First Aboriginal man to receive a Public Service Medal |
| Stan Grant Snr | Recognised for his work in Indigenous education and language |
| Jim Hagan | First Aboriginal person to speak at the United Nations and Australian Cabinet |
| Lorraine Hatton | Indigenous Elder of the Australian Army |
| Jackie Huggins | Key figure in reconciliation and literacy |
| Catherine Liddle | Worked in Northern Territory Education Department, ABC, NITV/SBS |
| Jamie Lowe | CEO of the National Native Title Council |
| Getano Lui Jnr | First Chair of the Torres Strait Regional Authority |
| Vonda Malone | Mayor of the Torres Shire Council |
| Damien Miller | First Indigenous person to lead an Australian overseas mission (Ambassador to Denmark, Norway, Iceland) |
| Warren Mundine | Deputy Mayor of Dubbo City and President of the Australian Labor Party |
| Roy Mundine | First Indigenous Elder of the Australian Army |
| Lowitja O'Donoghue | First Chairperson of ATSIC |
| June Oscar | Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission |
| Charles Perkins | Recognised for his services to Aboriginal welfare |
| Alitya Rigney | Pioneering work in Aboriginal education |
| Sally Riley | Head of Scripted Production at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) |
| Craig Ritchie | CEO of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) |
| Benson Saulo | Australian Consul-General to the USA (Houston) |
| Marion Scrymgour | CEO of the Northern Land Council |
| Jodie Sizer | Chair of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Council |
| Pat Turner | CEO of ATSIC (1994–1998) |
| Eric Willmot | Principal of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies |
Standing Up for Rights: Activists
Indigenous activists have worked tirelessly to fight for justice, equality, and recognition for their communities. They have played a huge role in bringing about important changes in Australia.
- Faith Bandler
- Daisy Bindi
- Gordon Briscoe
- Burnum Burnum
- Kevin Buzzacott
- Joyce Clague
- Paul Coe
- Essie Coffey
- William Cooper
- Dexter Daniels
- Megan Davis
- Chicka Dixon
- Mick Dodson
- Pat Dodson
- Gladys Elphick
- Gary Foley
- Pearl Gibbs
- Matilda House
- Jacqui Katona
- Marcia Langton
- Yami Lester
- Vincent Lingiari
- Michael Mansell
- Yvonne Margarula
- Roy Marika
- Wandjuk Marika
- Hyllus Maris
- Lambert McBride
- Bernard Namok, designer of the Torres Strait Islander Flag
- John Newfong, journalist
- Oodgeroo Noonuccal
- Jack Patten
- Noel Pearson
- Wenten Rubuntja
- Mum (Shirl) Smith
- Harold Thomas, designer of Aboriginal flag
- Margaret Tucker
- Galarrwuy Yunupingu
Sharing Knowledge: Educators
Education is very important. Many Indigenous Australians are leading the way in teaching and learning, from universities to community programs. They help share knowledge and ensure Indigenous perspectives are included in education.
- Ian Anderson, former Pro Vice Chancellor (University of Melbourne)
- MaryAnn Bin-Sallik, Pro Vice Chancellor, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership (University of Western Sydney)
- Larissa Behrendt (University of Technology Sydney)
- Tom Calma, Chancellor (University of Canberra)
- Megan Davis (University of New South Wales)
- Mick Dodson (ANU)
- Stan Grant, Chair – Australian–Indigenous Belonging (Charles Sturt University)
- Jackie Huggins (ANU)
- Marcia Langton, Associate Provost and Foundation Chair of Australian Indigenous Studies (University of Melbourne)
- John Maynard (University of Newcastle)
- Martin Nakata, Indigenous Education and Strategy (James Cook University)
- Karlie Noon (Sydney Observatory)
- Lewis O'Brien (University of South Australia)
- Bruce Pascoe (University of Melbourne)
- Lynette Riley (University of Sydney)
- Lynette Russell (Monash University)
- Kim Scott (Curtin University)
- Gracelyn Smallwood (Central Queensland University)
- Jakelin Troy, linguist and anthropologist (Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research at the University of Sydney)
- Margaret Valadian
- Chelsea Watego (Queensland University of Technology)
- Eric Willmot (James Cook University)
Upholding Justice: Lawyers and Judges
Indigenous Australians are also making a big impact in the legal world. They work as lawyers, judges, and legal experts, helping to ensure fairness and justice for everyone.
- Larissa Behrendt – legal academic
- Bob Bellear – first Indigenous judge
- Lincoln Crowley – judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland
- Megan Davis – Constitutional Lawyer, academic
- Mick Dodson – barrister
- Sue Gordon – magistrate
- Terri Janke – Indigenous cultural intellectual property expert
- Lloyd McDermott – first Indigenous lawyer
- Hannah McGlade – human rights advocate, lawyer, and UN representative
- Matthew Myers – judge, academic
- Pat O'Shane – magistrate
Culture and Community: Humanities
Many Indigenous Australians contribute to the humanities. This includes areas like culture, history, and community leadership. They help preserve traditions, share stories, and build stronger communities.
- Pat Anderson AO (Co-Chair of the Uluru Statement from the Heart)
- Muriel Bamblett (Coalition of Peaks, and Chair – SNAICC)
- Brooke Boney (Ambassador – GO Foundation)
- Linda Burney MP (Patron in Chief – GO Foundation)
- Megan Davis (Co-Chair of the Uluru Statement from the Heart)
- Blak Douglas (Ambassador – GO Foundation)
- Adam Goodes (Founder and Non-Executive Director – GO Foundation)
- Matilda House (Co-Founder ALS)
- Narelda Jacobs (National Indigenous Advisory Group – Football Australia)
- Mal Meninga (Co–director of Regional Economic Solutions)
- Lowitja O'Donoghue (Patron – Lowitja Institute)
- Michael O'Loughlin (Founder and Deputy Chair – GO Foundation)
- June Oscar AO (Director – Lowitja Institute, and Co-Patron – Indigenous Literacy Foundation)
- Rachel Perkins (Boyer Lectures – The End of Silence)
- Dan Sultan (Ambassador – GO Foundation)
- Jared Thomas (Curator ATSI Art and Cultural Material South Australian Museum)
- Pat Turner (Joint Council Co-Chair – Coalition of Peaks)
See also
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List of Indigenous Australians in politics and public service Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.