2024 ATSIEB Election candidate statements

Section 110A of the Electoral Act 1992 provides for candidate information to be published on Elections ACT's website.

The order of candidate information below is in ballot paper order

This information has been provided by the candidates. The ACT Electoral Commission takes no responsibility nor bears liability for the content contained within, outside the requirements of the Electoral Act.

In accordance section 110A(6) of the Electoral Act (1992) if the commissioner is satisfied on reasonable grounds that any information given to the commissioner for publication includes content that is obscene, defamatory or otherwise unlawful, the commissioner must not publish that part of the information.

Patrick VANN

Candidate has not yet supplied a candidate statement.

Paul SALEY

Elected Body:

I am a man of Aboriginal heritage, and cultural pride.

I am a proud parent of two successful adult daughters who do what they can to make a difference in the community. My sister and brother are Elders in Bankstown and Liverpool respectively. I know I can make the same impact.

I am invested in my faith community and believe in everyone’s right to choose how they practice their beliefs. I volunteer my time: within my community, as a supporter of a Funeral Home, as a mentor to a mentally challenged individual (I consider him my friend), and soon to a radio station.

I have worked with Koori Strong, a program to help Aboriginal youth offenders. Currently, I am the Manager of Justice Support Programs for the Aboriginal Legal Service. My focus is to assist Aboriginal clients who are involved in the Justice System at the AMC, in Galambany Court, in the Magistrates Court and more recently in the Supreme Court.

My interest in the Elected Body is firstly within the Justice system and reducing recidivist offending, and secondarily as a member of Aboriginal Educational Consultive Group to focus efforts on education for our young people.

I don’t believe in making excuses for our life decisions, I believe in developing character and standing up for that which we think is just and appropriate.

I am confident we can make a difference, that we can make change…and that we send a genuine and positive message that is truly heard.

Authorised by Paul Saley, candidate for the 2024 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body

Billy T TOMPKINS

Candidate has not yet supplied a candidate statement.

Deanne BOOTH

Candidate has not yet supplied a candidate statement.

Helen WRIGHT

Authorised by Helen Wright, candidate for the 2024 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body

I am an Aboriginal Budawang woman from Yuin Nation on the South Coast of NSW, my father’s family born and raised in Nowra.

I have more than 20 years’ experience working in both state and commonwealth public sectors and have worked in leadership positions for over 16 years. As a senior leader I have developed expertise in strategic management processes, establishing corporate plans, vision statements, Change Management Plans and long-term strategies and have extensive experience engaging with communities across Australia. I have chaired corporation meetings and mediated disputes between groups, I have strong governance skills and have assisted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations with meeting their governance requirements. I have delivered cultural awareness training and have a high level of cultural understanding.

I was a member of ACT Reconciliation Council for three years and am Independent Board Member for Jungarni Jutiya Indigenous Corporation (Halls Creek WA) now into my 3rd year. I am also a member of the Aboriginal Research Advisory Group (Tranby AC).

I currently lead strategic management and planning activities of the First Nations Portfolio (FNP) at the Australian National University (ANU) as Director of the Policy and Projects Team. My role includes facilitating research by other Colleges and overseeing the work of my team relating to complex areas importance to First Nations people such as economic development, renewable energies, treaties and housing.

I previously worked in the ACT Government providing support the Chief Minister, Cabinet, and Head of Service through the provision of policy and support and direction across Directorates on complex policy matters, in particular reporting on progress on Closing the Gap targets in both the National Agreement and the ACT Agreement.

Why should you vote for me?

I am passionate about improving outcomes for our people. I am excited by the opportunity and the importance of advising on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander initiatives across the ACT Jurisdiction including understanding funding programs and initiatives that this Advisory role in the Elected Body brings. I believe by respectfully engaging with community, listening to what is important for our people, sharing my knowledge and experience and engaging with government on matters that are meaningful to our community is paramount.

It is time to close the gap, but it is also time to do things differently and we need to find a way to navigate that together.

My mission is to help people understand how culture strengthens who we are and how it guides us to delivering the best outcomes for our communities.

Ricky HAMPSON

Yawayi.  My name is Ricky Hampson Snr.  I'm a proud Anaiwan/Dunghutti descendant. I'm a member of the Stolen Generation. I've lived on Ngunnawal/Ngambri country over the past 12yrs, I also lived here for a short period in the 90s. I've been residing with my daughter here in Canberra for last year due to her health and helping with grandchildren and education. I also spend half my time in Yass where I have my partner and another grandson in high school that has special needs and demands attention. In the late 80s and early 90s I worked in an Aboriginal co-op in Southwest Sydney, working in several different roles which included a preschool bus driver and preschool assistant, a research assistant for Professor Henderson from AIATSIS completing an Aboriginal Environmental Health Survey for South-Western Sydney, a vocational care coordinator overseeing daily activities and taking young koori kids on camps ect, I also attended a SNAICC conference in Brisbane representing the preschool. After moving to Canberra in the early 90s, I spent a short time working with juvenile justice with my late brother-in-law Gregory Chatfield, where we came up with the idea for Gugan Gulwan which has thrived for over 30 years thanks to the hard work of Kim Davison, the Davison family and staff. I worked in the Yurauna centre as a bus driver and an advocate for the students liaising with teachers from CIT and government agencies. I later went onto truck driving for a lot of years until injuring my back in 2012. After losing our son some years ago to the health system I felt I had to stand up to the system that ignored he's cries help. I took on the fight for justice, change and advocating for our mob, I organised and ran protests demanding an Inquest into his death, I have attended NSW State Parliament several times demanding that Inquest, holding press conferences and presenting a petition to the state government, I was invited to sit at the round table in Parliament House Canberra to be part of an UNDRIP meeting, I've spoke at numerous rallies and events in both Canberra and Sydney for justice and for change within the health system so our people can feel safe when seeking medical help and get the treatment that we deserve, instead of preventable black lives being taken by systemic issues. I'm passionate about my heritage and culture, I'm passionate about justice and the well being of our mob. I want a better future for my children, grandchildren and for all blackfullas. If I'm successful in this election and get to be a voice for my people, I would like to represent our mob in either health,  education or justice to help make these institutions safe and  welcoming for our people. I'm not a yes man, I'll stand and fight to make change for our people. VOTE 1 : RICKY HAMPSON

Authorised by Ricky Hampson, candidate for the 2024 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body

Tucky Tania COOLEY

Candidate has not yet supplied a candidate statement.

Kaylene McLEOD

Hello, My name is Kaylene McLeod, A proud Wodi Wodi/Monero (Yuin) woman from Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community located within the Jervis Bay Territory (ACT). I have resided on Ngunnawal/Ngambri country for a number of years now and love living and working on this beautiful country. I am passionate about Indigenous affairs, social justice and preserving the rights of our people both personally and professionally. By day I work for the National Indigenous Australians Agency and by night I enjoy supporting our community through voluntary work, participation in community events and providing aid through my family’s charity and catering company (McLeod’s Angels). I am proud member of the local LGBTQIA+ community and support/advocate for our First Nations people in particular our young people in this space. My passion for Community work extends outside the ACT, as a volunteer Fire Fighter in the NSW Rural Fire Service. I have gained a number of years of experience as a representative on a multiple boards including as an Executive Director of the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council Board and a member of the First Nations Rainbow Board. I have over 25 years experience working in Indigenous affairs and as a proud First Nations woman, I am passionate about advancing Indigenous platforms, social justice through equality, supporting marginalised grass-roots groups and advocating for all matters relating to our people locally, nationally and internationally. I pride myself on learning from our elders and using my voice and platforms to advance our people. Thank you!

Authorised by Kaylene McLeod, candidate for the 2024 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body

Maurice WALKER

A descendant of the Pidjara Nation, my grandmother’s Country in Central Queensland.

I have lived in Canberra, Ngunnawal Country for over 35 years and am proud to call this city my home.

I have been a member of the Elected Body for several terms and still have the passion to represent the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community here within the Canberra region and surrounds.

I am passionate about representing and am committed to making changes that will eventually benefit our community. I want to build better relationship with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community and build respectful relationship with Aboriginal Community Controlled organisation for make sure we represent the true nature of our issues to the ACT Government.

I have well established relationships with ACT Government Directorates, Director Generals, and senior staff. I also have good rapport and familiarity with ACT MLA’s within Canberra Parliament.

I believe in the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body and it’s potential. We have an opportunity to provide leadership not just to the ACT region, but also as model of success for other communities across our Country.

VOTE 1  - Maurice Walker for continuity and consistency.

Approved and authorised by Maurice J Walker – candidate for ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elections 2024

Jo CHIVERS

I am a direct descendent of Fanny Cochrane Smith with strong connections to Oyster Cove. Tasmania. I have called Canberra home since 1993, taking up a graduate position with ATSIC. I am currently exploring work opportunities after working in the Commonwealth Public Service for over 30 years. I have been a member of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body, have been the former Chairperson of the Canberra and District NAIDOC Aboriginal Corporation, have been a member of the Our Booris Our Way Steering Committee, am a member of the Law Reform and Sentencing Advisory Council and I was the ACT Labor Party’s first Aboriginal (and only) President, 2016-18. My reasons for nominating for re-election are: ATSIEB gives us a real and a strong voice in the decision making process that affects us; my passion and commitment for the advancement of our community is not biased by ego or personal gain – I have dedicated my life to serving our people; I truly believe that the ACT Indigenous community can lead the country in relationships with Government, achieving equitable outcomes for our people. Through the ATSIEB process we have an opportunity to be the creators of our own destiny and to not just survive but to thrive; I believe that it is important to have continuity between the fifth and sixth ATSIEB terms. My children are adults so I have the time that’s required to be an effective representative. I understand the processes of government very well and have a strong track record of achieving results. I have an existing working relationship with members of the Legislative Assembly from all parties and I am confident and experienced in dealing with them, including debating and negotiating sensitive and important policy and program issues. I have strong networks in this community and more broadly upon whom I can call for advice, guidance and support in representing our community. I am committed to continuing the work from the fifth ATSIEB term and ensuring that the ACT Government meets its responsibilities under the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2019-2028 and the National Closing the Gap Agreement. I want to work with JACS to decrease the incarceration rates at the AMC and to ensure that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people access the court system that it is done in a culturally appropriate manner. I also want the sixth ATSIEB term to continue its focus on Indigenous Children in care as a main priority. Please consider me for your number one vote. If you already have a candidate in mind for your number one vote, please consider giving me your number two vote.

Authorised by Jo Chivers, candidate for the 2024 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body.

Vicki BRADLEY

Candidate has not yet supplied a candidate statement.

Samantha Jayne KEATON

I am a Dunghutti woman (North – Central coast of NSW), birthed, raised and living in Canberra, ACT. On Ngunnawal and Ngambri lands. My family are the Drews, Grays and Doyles.

As with many others, I and my family have lived and survived the results of intergenerational and transgenerational impacts of assimilation and stolen generation that have been pressed upon our culture and people. My nan was removed and placed into the ‘Cootamundra Girls Home’ until the age of 18.

From humble beginnings and decades of trials and tribulations, I have found my place in society and am continuing to forge my path in community. Taking lessons learnt from experiences of childhood and adolescent, to growing up to appreciate the importance of family, love and basic human needs, discipline, and hardship.

During my years at school I was challenged by the system, by having teachers diminishing my goals and dreams, and running with the “fast crowd”. I have always managed pick myself up and start over. My faults are that I am hard on myself, I am my worst critique, and stubbornly too independent.
Several years ago, I had to rebuild my life from rock – bottom, this time, led by sheer determination, strength, will and faith. With the love and support from family and new – found friends.

I moved from the “streets” into emergency accomodation at ‘Havelock House’ and working as a trainee at the CSIRO, a year later. With the assistance of ‘Habitat Personal’ employment, I acquired a fulltime position at ‘Winnunga’ working with our young families to support and advocate on their behalf with navigating services and creating pathways for them to become more accessible. Services including ‘Koori Pre’, Child and Family Centres, and schools.

Four years ago, I had an opportunity to be promoted into a different role at Winnunga, as a ‘Justice Reinvestment’ worker. This role allowed me to gain knowledge and skill, to learn more about our justice system and to advocate for those who were unable too. This is when I found my calling. I am a humanitarian.

By following fate, and merely accepting opportunities as they arise. Networks have naturally been created and maintained, I have gainfully accomplished qualifications at the CIT Yuarana Centre, and currently am studying my Diploma in Community Services. As of the end on this month I have resigned from my position as ‘Justice Reinvestment’ worker and have moved onto the next step in my career at the ‘ACT Corrective Services’ within the ‘Reintegration Unit.

Originally hesitant to be a nominee in the 2024 AITSEB Election, and as fate would have it, here I am. I hope to bring new light, ideas and alternative thoughts to this year’s topics and trials. By working as a team, I hope to continuously learn from our elders and role – models, but also share with my generation and our following future generation. I will continue to advocate and relate to our community.

Authorised by Samantha Jayne Keaton, candidate for the 2024 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body.

Braith BELL-GARNER

Candidate has not yet supplied a candidate statement.

Bradley BELL

Candidate has not yet supplied a candidate statement.