Released 06/11/2017
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body has a new member.
All candidates who stood unsuccessfully at the 2017 election were invited to contest a vacancy. Five applications were received. Vacancies on the Elected Body are filled by distributing the votes of the former member.
Following the distribution of preferences Paula McGrady was elected to replace Ross Fowler who resigned from the Elected Body in October. On behalf of the ACT Government, I wish to thank Mr Fowler for the valuable contribution he made on the Elected Body since first elected in 2014, including serving one year as Chair.
Paula McGrady is a proud Kamilaroi and Goomeri person from Moree and Toomelah in mid Northern NSW. She has a long history of working in the community sector with more than 15 years, working in areas of education (NSW), family and domestic violence, and sexual assault. She has also worked with vulnerable and homeless young people in youth justice. Paula is particularly focused on issues of housing (homelessness for youth), mental health and family domestic violence.
The elected body is the only one of its kind in Australia. In July this year, 25 candidates stood to represent the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community on this democratically elected body that directly advises government on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs.
The election was the fourth for ATSIEB and saw a record number of votes from the community electing members who will represent them for three years.
As Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs I am determined to see improvements for the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. I will continue to work with the Elected Body to deliver positive outcomes for the community they represent and for all in the ACT community.
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases
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