New CEO for NSW Aboriginal Land Council

9 February 2017

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) today announced James Christian as the peak body's Chief Executive Officer.

Mr Christian, a proud Wiradjuri man from the Riverina area, joins NSWALC after serving in senior executive roles at both Commonwealth and State level.

In the Commonwealth public service, Mr Christian worked in a number of roles with the Department of Social Services, including his last position as National Group Manager, Disability, Employment and Carers.

In New South Wales, Mr Christian led Aboriginal Affairs NSW, was Deputy Director-General of the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care and Chief Executive Officer of the Aboriginal Housing Office.

In 2011, Mr Christian received a Public Service Medal for outstanding service in improving opportunities for economic participation and employment of Aboriginal peoples.

NSWALC Chair Roy Ah-See said Mr Christian's experience was a great asset for the largest member-based Aboriginal organisation in Australia.

"The Land Rights network in New South Wales is in the best shape it's ever been. With our network of 120 Local Aboriginal Land Councils, we are well-positioned to drive key issues including economic development.

"The elected Board of NSWALC welcomes Mr Christian to the organisation and looks forward to working with him.

Mr Christian said it was an exciting time to be CEO of NSWALC.

"In New South Wales, Aboriginal people are in a unique position of having a land rights system that can secure freehold land over certain Crown lands.

"This opens up many opportunities for Aboriginal peoples to strengthen culture and to grow economically.

"The land base that we enjoy in New South Wales has enormous capacity to transform the lives of future generations of Aboriginal peoples and I look forward to ensuring to see these opportunities realised."

Cr Ah-See thanked Acting CEO Malcolm "Cal" Davis for his contribution during the transition period.

"Mr Davis will continue in his role as Deputy Chief Executive Officer and ensuring we have an experienced and highly-skilled leadership team."