The NLC celebrates Burney's legacy, embraces McCarthy's leadership

The NLC extends its heartfelt gratitude to Linda Burney for her dedicated service as Minister for Indigenous Australians. Throughout her two decades of distinguished political service, Ms. Burney has been a steadfast advocate for Aboriginal communities. Her tireless efforts have brought about significant advancements in policy and on-the-ground support for our people.

As the first Aboriginal parliamentarian in NSW and the first Indigenous woman in the House of Representatives, her achievements are many. Highlights commended by our Council include: abolishing the controversial work-for-the-dole scheme, record investment in remote Aboriginal housing, and shoring up government support for justice reinvestment programs.

Ms. Burney’s commitment to justice, equality, and the preservation of our cultural values has been inspiring. Her leadership has made a lasting impact, and we are profoundly thankful for her dedication and support, particularly through the Voice Referendum. We thank her for her time, passion, and unwavering commitment and wish her all the best.

At the same time, we celebrate the appointment of our own Northern Territory Senator Malarndirri McCarthy as the new Minister for Indigenous Australians. Ms. McCarthy, who has been officially sworn in at a ceremony today at Government House, Canberra, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to her new role. Her appointment is warmly welcomed by the NLC and our constituents.

Ms. McCarthy is a Yanyuwa woman from our Borroloola/Barkly region. A former journalist with the ABC and SBS/NITV, Ms. McCarthy was elected to the Northern Territory Assembly as the Member for Arnhem in 2005. During her seven years in the Assembly, she held the Ministerial Portfolios of Local Government, Regional Development, Indigenous Development, Tourism, Women’s Policy, and Statehood.

Elected as Senator for the NT in 2016 and having served as the Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians from mid-2022, Ms. McCarthy brings a unique perspective. She is intimately familiar with the challenges and opportunities facing Territorians and demonstrates a perseverance to drive change. Her focus is on continuing to bring communities together and ensuring that remote communities are engaged with and heard.

In a humble statement, Ms. McCarthy expressed her gratitude, thanking the people of the NT who sent her to Canberra, and her commitment to giving our people a determined voice at the cabinet table.

The NLC looks forward to working with Minister McCarthy to continue advancing the rights of our constituents across the Top End, and Aboriginal communities across Australia more broadly. We are confident that her leadership will bring about meaningful progress and build on the significant foundations laid by Linda Burney.

 

Quotes Attributable to NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:

"Linda Burney has been a dedicated, genuine Minister for our people. Despite the result we had with the Voice, her leadership has seen real progress made on the journey towards justice and equality for Aboriginal Australians.

“In her farewell, Minister Burney spoke about witnessing a younger generation of Aboriginal people who are now ready to take their places in the world. The hard work she has put in has inspired those young people, as it has our Council. We are grateful for all that she has achieved."

"The NLC is very proud to now welcome that local one! Malarndirri McCarthy, as the new Minister for Indigenous Australians. Her experience and deep connection to our communities will bring valuable knowledge and strong advocacy to Canberra."

"Malarndirri’s skills in bringing communities together and her focus on making sure the voices of remote communities are heard on a national level is what we need. We look forward to working with her closely to keep on advancing rights and Closing the Gap for our people."