Interim leadership

Duane is a passionate advocate for the empowerment of Indigenous peoples globally, striving to protect their biocultural landscapes and ensure they have full and effective participation in all facets of public life. His life’s work is driven by a dedication to creating lasting, positive impact for Indigenous communities. As a father of a young daughter, he remains committed to a future where First Nations peoples hold full control over their own futures.   

Perkins has contributed significantly to the film and television industry, serving on the boards of many major institutions, including the Australian Film Television and Radio School, Screen Australia, and NITV. Recognised with prestigious awards such as the Byron Kennedy AFI Award, she uses her platform to foster truth-telling and reconciliation, notably facilitating the reprint of the Eastern and Central Arrernte Dictionary and delivering the 2019 ABC Boyer Lecture. Currently, Perkins holds leadership positions as the Executive Director of Cultural Heritage at the National Native Title Council and Chair of the Charles Perkins Trust for Children Students. 

Vanessa has played pivotal roles in policy development, Aboriginal heritage preservation, contract management, and strategic engagement. Her expertise extends throughout Western Australia, having held key positions within the public sector, notably leading the creation of heritage and native title policies and frameworks for the WA Water Corporation.

Prior to his national positions, Jamie was the CEO of the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, which achieved Native Title in 2011 and 2023 over the Great Ocean Road region. He was also a key figure in the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and instrumental in negotiating the Closing The Gap Agreement with the Australian Government in 2020. Jamie’s work emphasises the importance of economic independence and cultural preservation as essential pillars for a self-determining nation, and he remains a steadfast advocate for a national Treaty and the rights of Traditional Owners across Australia. 

Karen’s distinguished career includes numerous leadership and advisory positions, including serving on the Council of the National Museum of Australia, the boards of Sydney Festival and Australians for Constitutional Recognition, and as a member of Chief Executive Women. Her extensive experience also encompasses roles in government departments, the Referendum Engagement Group, and various philanthropic and cultural organisations such as the Mary Mackillop Foundation and Gondwana Choirs. Karen was recognised with the 2021 Indigenous Australian UTS Alumni Award and the 2023 National Winner of the Australian Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership. 

Throughout his illustrious career, Mr McAvoy has held several influential positions, including Acting part-time Commissioner of the NSW Land and Environment Court, Acting Northern Territory Treaty Commissioner, and Commissioner of the NSW Independent Planning Commission. He has successfully represented claimants in numerous land claims and served as Senior Counsel assisting the Yoorrook Justice Commission and the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory. A strong advocate for Treaties and truth for Australia’s First Peoples, Tony McAvoy SC continues to shape the legal landscape and champion the rights of Indigenous Australians. 

Throughout his distinguished career, Peter has held a variety of senior roles in the not-for-profit and corporate sectors. These include serving as Director of Water Trust Australia, Chair of the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance Ltd (NAILSMA), and Trustee on Princes Trust Australia. He has also contributed to advisory councils and working groups, such as the JANA Sustainability Advisory Council and the Referendum Working and Engagement Group for an Aboriginal Voice to Parliament. His extensive experience and leadership continue to shape Indigenous affairs and development in Australia. 

Currently, Ned holds significant leadership positions across the Torres Strait. He serves as Chair of Gur A Baradharaw Kod, Chair of Magani Lagaugal RNTBC, Malu Lamar RNTBC, and Chair of the Torres Strait Islanders Regional Education Council (TSIREC). His extensive career includes substantial work with both government and the private sector, and he currently directs Yumi Education Services, striving to enhance opportunities for students and young people throughout the Torres Strait.