Section 110A of the Electoral Act 1992 as applied by Section 31 of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body Act 2008 provides for candidate information to be published on Elections ACT's website.

The order of candidate information below is an order determined by lot.

This information has been provided by the respective 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 as applied by Section 31 of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body Act 2008 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.

Candidate statement - Tanya Michelle Keed 

No information provided

Candidate statement -  Leah House 

No information provided

Candidate statement - Jackson Taylor-Grant 

In the Language of my people

“Yiradu marang, bala-dhu Jackson Taylor-Grant, bala-dhu Wiradjuri gibirr, ngadhu galari-galang ngina-guliya-gu.”

“Ngiyanhi Ngunnawal nguram-bang-ga, Ngadhu yindyamurra Ngunnawal nguram-bung.”

“Good day my name is jackson Taylor-Grant, I am a Wiradjuri man and I belong to the Galari people.”

“We are on Ngunnawal Country and I pay my respect the Ngunnawal people.”

I was born on Ngunnawal Country in Canberra in 1991 and have lived on this beautiful country ever since.

I have a passion for cultural heritage protection and inspiring people to engage with our amazing culture. One of my goals is to be a role model to young First Nations people and grow the capabilities within our mob so that we can create a more equitable future for everyone.

I have worked within the ACT government for 11 years with the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD). In this time, I have worked in a diverse range of roles including Ranger, Natural Resource Management Facilitator, manager of Inclusion and Engagement and most recently Manager of Aboriginal Engagement with ACT Heritage.

What can I offer to the community?

I work with integrity, respect, and accountability in everything that I do, and I genuinely want to make a difference and support our Mob. I am someone who can communicate effectively and I’m very approachable by nature. I will be a strong ally to all mob and push for change to address disadvantage. I want our people to have the opportunity that they deserve and make sure our children live out their potential with a voice that is heard and respected.

I would love the opportunity to bring my ideas and passions to life and work with our Mob.

Authorised by Jackson Taylor-Grant, candidate for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body

Candidate statement - Oliver Kickett 

No information provided

Candidate statement - Maurice Walker 

No information provided

Candidate statement - Kartika Medcraft-Smith 

Who am I? Who’s my mob?

I am a proud Leterrermairrener and Plangermaireener Pakana woman from North Eastern Tasmania, descendant of Mannalargena with NSW Wiradjuri family connections, raising my family in the beautiful ACT.

What’s my story?

I am a mum of 4 beautiful strong and resilient warriors, who have overcome more challenges and barriers than most people will ever experience in their lifetime. From traumatic births, to rare medical conditions, physical and intellectual disability, poor mental health and surviving family violence, alcoholism and discrimination. We have experienced nearly every service the ACT has to offer. We have received amazing care, but also medical negligence. We’ve been protected from violence but also let down by an inadequate legal and justice system and even taken a ride on the public housing merry-go-round.

I worked in the ACT public hospital system for over 10 years and ran a small business whilst supporting my son through a traumatic medical journey before moving into the Australian Public Service. Applying my expertise across several portfolios including Health, Environment and Social Services, driving and implementing positive change and contributing to new directions for policy development and project/program management. Working with our mob to identify gaps, and co-designing workable solutions to issues and matters affecting our people.

What am I passionate about?

I am a professional, committed, and resilient change maker, innovative strategic thinker, specialising in out of the box, big picture conceptualising, a strong leader and communicator with a passion to bridge the divide between Government and community.

I have a strong desire to understand and listen to our community on how we can work together with Government to find positive outcomes for our mob.

With a strong focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, suicide prevention, mental health and improved services and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with disability, I have spent many years in the local fundraising sector, helping raise critical funds for child and adolescent medical services and local cultural wellbeing programs in the ACT.

I am a passionate advocate for improving the Capital’s cultural capability and eradicating racism and lateral violence in our schools, workplaces, institutions and organisations through education, truth telling and sharing our journey.

Why vote for me?

Voting for me is an opportunity to have your voices, your ideas and your passion for a better go for our mob in the ACT amplified at the table where it will be heard and valued. Together we are stronger, together we will influence actual change where it matters most.

Statement of Authorisation for each piece of material (poster, flyer, socials):

‘Authorised by Kartika Medcraft-Smith, candidate for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body’

Candidate statement - Lynnice Church

No information provided

Candidate statement - Jo Chivers

Authorised by: Jo Chivers, candidate 2021 ATSIEB Elections

I am a direct descendent of Fanny Cochrane Smith with strong connections to Oyster Cove.

I have called Canberra home since 1993, taking up a graduate position with ATSIC. I currently manage the Secretariat for the National NAIDOC Committee and work on cultural policy matters.

I am:

• the Deputy Chairperson of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body
• the former Chairperson of the Canberra and District NAIDOC Aboriginal Corporation
• a member of the Our Booris Our Way Steering Committee
• a member of the Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm Board and
• 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 fourth and fifth 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.

My work are supportive of me standing as a candidate and will support flexible work arrangements to ensure I can fulfil any requirements of the role should I be re-elected.

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 fourth ATSIEB term including the third Older Person’s Housing Project and ensuring that the ACT Government meets its responsibilities under the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2019-2028.

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 fifth ATSIEB term to continue its focus on Indigenous Children in care as a main priority – not only holding the ACT Government accountable but working with it to reduce the rates of children in care and to increase the number of kinship carers.

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.

Candidate statement - Brooke Rigney 

I am a proud Yankunytjatjara kungka from South Australia who has gratefully lived on Ngunnawal land for the last eight years.

I am a career public servant who has worked in the delivery of services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a mixture of Commonwealth Departments, Aboriginal Statutory Authorities, on the Our Booris, Our Way Review and now I am at Housing ACT in the Community Services Directorate as an Assistant Director.

I have been extremely fortunate to have worked in remote communities in the Northern Territory and South Australia delivering social security services to being intimately involved with the review into the high number of our kids involved with the child protection system here in the ACT to my current role requiring me to manage 18 staff and over 2500 public housing tenancies as well as assisting with the development of an Aboriginal community controlled housing organisation to cater to the growing housing needs of blackfellas in Canberra.

To paraphrase an adaptive leadership metaphor, you could say that for the last 20 years I have been on the dance floor with mob, and it is now time for me to get up on the balcony to effectively respond to the need. I need to tap into my extensive networks, my leadership and my academic knowledge to get outcomes for our people. Let’s face it, the top three social justice issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Canberra today are access to affordable and sustainable housing, involvement in the child protection system and intergenerational welfare dependency. I have passionately and successfully worked in all three areas at senior levels of Government and would be a rich asset to the elected body to advocate on behalf of the community to the ACT Government.

I want to give back to the community as those who have so generously given their time to me and allowed me into their lives and to hear their stories. It is now time for me to use my voice and power and privilege for the good of the Canberra community and I thoroughly believe that this will be something the elected body needs, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community want.

Voting for me will be a vote for someone who will passionately and effectively advocate on your behalf and for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in the ACT and Wreck Bay.

Authorised by Brooke Rigney, candidate for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body

Candidate statement - Helen Wright 

I am a proud Aboriginal Woman from Yuin Nation, my father’s family are the Budawang mob from around Batemans Bay - Nowra region.

I have been in Management/Leadership roles for much of my career in the public service. I have had great opportunities working across a variety of subject matters, from Human Resource Management to Indigenous Affairs and into Natural Heritage and then back to HR recently managing the Indigenous Australians Government Development program (IAGDP). I have enjoyed a great deal of variety in my work and with the teams I have managed.

I established my own consultancy in 2018, I am passionate about passing on my learnings and my skills with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, giving back from the opportunities I have received over my career. I am resilient and passionate about people and have the skills to motivate and bring people along to achieve good outcomes for their organisations and their communities. I have worked with community groups and individuals on governance and reporting, Human Resource management, grant funding proposals, complaints and disputes resolution and the delivery of training.

I proud to be a member of the ACT Reconciliation Council, and I am an independent board member of Jungarni Jutiya Indigenous Corporation based in Halls Creek, East Kimberley.

I also hold Professional Membership of the Australian Human Resource Institute (AHRI), and Women on Boards. My LinkedIn profile is https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-wright-6552a880/

I believe my skills work and lived experience stands me in good stead to be a valuable representative of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, and I am here to serve you.

Master of Public Policy (ANU)

APSC - Women in Leadership (People Measures)

Prince2 Foundation (Flinders University)

Bachelor of Business (HR Management & Leadership) (University of Southern Queensland)

Graduate Certificate Public Sector Management (Griffith Uni)

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

Candidate statement - Paula McGrady 

Elected Body Speech: My name is Paula McGrady I am a Kamilaroi woman from Moree and Toomelah in North Western New South Wales. I have lived in Canberra for over 15 years and consider this place my home.

I am running for election for the next three-year term because I want to see our children and grandchildren have as much opportunity as possible.

Education and opportunity are two important platforms for me.

I believe we educate our children with opportunities, and we do that by creating those opportunities. I come from having spent the last four years on the Elected Body and with this you will have consistency if you vote One for me.

I represented the Directorate of Transport Canberra City Services and this has enabled me to achieve many things that were close to my heart, and what I believe will make a difference for our community and our children.

One important theme that I have learnt in my time on the Elected Body is to always acknowledge the land on which we all choose to live and work, always paying respects and acknowledging the Ngunnawal people.  This was very important when discussing proposals around road construction, land/precinct development and most importantly, which is a passion for me, in the space of our Cemeteries and Crematorium within the ACT.

I spoke passionately and respectfully always within this space.

ACT Cemeteries and Crematorium will be able to understand more around sorry business and our culture, we can teach about cultural practices such as the use of a Yidaki (or commonly known as a Didgeridoo), smoking ceremony and being culturally sensitive and aware of these practices around sorry business.

Boomanulla was also under my directorate that I represented and where I strongly advocated the importance of what Boomanulla means to our community, and that it was always at the forefront of any discussion I had the DG/S of TCCS.

Looking at Boomanulla today is a proud moment for all of us on the Elected Body, in what has been achieved so far, and still evolving and to share this with our community. I will continue to support growth and advancement for Boomanulla’s sustainability into the future.

Its importance cannot be underestimated to preserve and respect the history, is also something I treat with absolute care and respect.

Children are the future, these are our next generation of leaders, if I can contribute to making decisions now to effect hopeful positive change for them then that’s a win.

I will put your needs at the forefront of representing you and our community. We deserve a seat at the board room table and I am prepared to use it for you, my voice, will be your voice.

Vote for me I will work for accountability, opportunity and will be done with integrity, so that our voice is heard and taken seriously.

I want better for you, for me, and our future leaders.

Vote 1 Paula McGrady

Authorised by Paula McGrady, candidate for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body

Candidate statement - Karen Demmery 

No information provided

Candidate statement - Ross Fowler 

I am a Bidigal/ Dharawal man of my mothers’ people, with family connections to Dhungutti and Gamilaroy peoples of NSW.  As a passionate community member who has lived here for three decades, I would like to advocate on behalf of the community and assist where I can to make change in all aspects of our lives such as engagement, representation and advocacy, policy and services, safe communities, governance and leadership as well as ensure our people have economic participation and healthy homes. I am currently setting up my own small business Dharawal Consultancy. My overall wish is to continue to build on the existing whole of government agreement so it reflects every member of our community and negotiate with Elected members, our community and the ACT Government to create a more autonomous approach to the Elected Body and how they best can independently service the community, more freely!

Education: By having the ability to work with all levels of the education system, and driving the importance of our culture in schools I believe I can assist by working with my fellow members, the community and the education system to achieve better outcomes for our younger generations.

Justice: I have a passion for social justice for both our young people and our adults. I have also had some years working within Corrective Services.  I also lead the review into the RCIADIC in 2013 and created the first Elders and Community Leaders Visitation Program in the AMC. My aim is to work with the community, the elected body and the ACT government and address the over-representation of our people in the justice system and address the ongoing concerns of racism within the AMC.

Employment: I will work with the community, our service providers and the ACT Government to create and maintain sustainable employment for our people as well as ensure businesses are supported to thrive and compete in the ACT market.

Housing: I will work with the community and government to create further housing opportunities for our community and our Elders. We need homes that are culturally suitable and that meet our family’s needs.

Disability: Continue to work with community, government and services to ensure that our community have access to programs that make change in their lives, access for every community no matter their abilities.

Health: Continue to support our primary health service Winnunga to address our major health priorities, including working with the community and government to secure our own purpose-built rehabilitation facility.

Youth: As an advocate for youth and a current Board Member on Gugan I will continue to support not only our youth, and Gugan to grow, but other services to improve better outcomes for our people that accommodates their needs and is holistic and family centric.

LGBTIQ

As a long-term advocate for our LGBTIQ+ communities and an openly gay man I will continue to support the community as I have done so for decades in all aspects of their gender and sexual identity.

Authorised by Ross Fowler, candidate for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body

Candidate statement - Jacob Keed 

I am Jacob Neville Pierce Keed, proud Wiradjuri Tubbah Gah and Kamilaroi man. I was born in Woden Hospital on the 12th November 1991 and have lived in Canberra most of my life in which I’ve come to call Canberra home.

I have a range of passions that drive me every day. Since working on ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body (ATSIEB) for my first term, it has assisted me greatly in identifying effective measurable actions that open up opportunities to incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, community and Indigenous Business into everyday business that ACT Government are implementing.

I currently work within ACT Government at Transport Canberra and City Services. While working in ACT Government for the past 6 years and also serving one term on the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body (ATSIEB), I have gained in depth experience in many different fields such as –

• Procurement;
• Community Engagement;
• Traditional Owner engagement and self-determination projects;
• Reporting;
• High-level analytical advice and guidance; and
• Liaison engagement between community and high level Government staff and peak bodies.

In short, I have worked at  low and high levels of ACT Government learning different aspects and government processes in order to incorporate Ngunnawal, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, community and Indigenous Business.

Focus: My main focus is ensuring opportunities, respect and relationships are created and maintained between all Australian, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander people.

I will do this action by negotiating to all stakeholders within community and ACT Government to carry out what needs to be done for the better future of our community here in the ACT and surrounding regions.

Authorised by Jacob Keed, candidate for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body

Candidate statement - Neville Perkins 

I am Neville Perkins, a proud Arunta Aboriginal man originally from Mbantua (Alice Springs) and from the well-known Perkins Aboriginal Family. I have lived and worked in Canberra for over 20 years since 1981.

In addition to being an Aboriginal community representative for many years, I have successfully held various senior executive positions in the public and private sectors, including General Manager of Aboriginal Hostels Limited, Secretary of the NSW Ministry for Aboriginal Affairs, NSW Registrar of Aboriginal Land Rights, Head of the ANU Jabal Centre, and General Manager of Imparja Television Pty Limited. These days I work successfully with the ACT Health Directorate as an Aboriginal Projects Officer.

As the only one of its kind in Australia, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body was established to represent the interests and aspirations of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; to advise directly the ACT Government; and to improve policy and services provided by government agencies to our Indigenous peoples.

I am standing for the Elected Body with the sincere view of better representing the best interests, aspirations and real needs of our local Indigenous peoples; to giving more frank and fearless advice to the ACT Government regarding the real interests and needs of our peoples; to providing stronger and more effective leadership to the Elected Body; and to offering my extensive experience as an Aboriginal leader, community representative, advocate, adviser and senior executive to the Elected Body.

If elected, I intend to be a proactive member of the Elected Body, giving more frank and fearless advice to the ACT Government on such important local Indigenous issues and needs as a Treaty, Native Title, and more culturally appropriate Indigenous health, housing, education, employment, training, justice, aged care, youth and community programs and services, which are much needed in our National Capital.

Our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population has grown to around 8,000 people these days. We now have one of the biggest single Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities in Australia here in the National Capital, in need of more culturally appropriate programs and services.

Indeed, we need a strong, committed and better Elected Body, which will give the best possible advice to the ACT Government in the best interests of our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, without fear or favour. I can offer such a strong commitment, experience and more effective leadership to the Elected Body to ensure that our best interests and aspirations are better represented to the ACT Government.

My election to the Elected Body is likely to ensure that we have better representation of the real needs and interests of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to the ACT Government; and that we have an Elected Body which will be in a stronger position to do what it must do in looking after the needs and best interests of our peoples.

Authorised by Neville Perkins, candidate for election to the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body 2021.

Candidate statement - Margaret Blackman 

My name is Margaret Blackman. I am a proud Aboriginal (Yidinji and Gurang) and Torres Strait Islander (Mer and Mabuaig) woman.

For over 10 years I have worked across many non-for profit Cape York organisations and in several commonwealth agencies.

I’ve been recognised as an emerging leader and have wide-ranging background in project management, leadership, and business development.

I am a Cape York Leaders Program Steering Committee Member. A board member of a charitable trust: Gidarjil Development Corporation.

SIGNIFICANT FOCUS AREA: JUSTICE

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and their families and communities thrive in a safe environment and have equitable access to justice and culturally safe restoration justice, prevention and diversion programs

Let’s have a chat about this!

How can we help Closing the Gap by reducing the rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in detention by 11-19 per cent and adults held in incarceration by at least 5 per cent by 2028.

Aspirations for our community

I am extremely driven to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

My aspirations is to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, using my business skills and experience to establish and successfully run their own business operations.

Key personal details:

Education:

Bachelor of Business Management / Entrepreneurship

Masters of Business Administration

Personal Interests: fishing and basketball

Location: Canberra

Phone/Mobile: 0467547689

Email: margaret.blackman@my.jcu.edu.au

Authorised by Margaret Blackman, candidate for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body

Candidate statement - Patrick Vann 

Authorised by: Patrick Vann, Candidate 2021 ATSIEB Elections.

I am a proud Palawa man and a descendant from Fanny Cochrane Smith, although my mob are from Tasmania, I was born and raised in Canberra and I’m glad I get to call Ngunnawal country home.

Since graduating from college last year I have been working at the Urban Bean Cafe in Woden and have been coaching an under 16s basketball team for Tuggeranong Vikings. I have been an active member in my community since I was in primary school, and I take pride in helping the community in any way that I can.

Most people know me through my volunteer work for the Canberra and District NAIDOC Aboriginal Corporation at ACT NAIDOC Family Day and the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Showcase at the National Multicultural Festival, however being an Elected Body member would allow me the opportunity to serve the community more directly and with greater impact.

I would like to improve the education system for indigenous students particularly indigenous students with chronic illnesses, so that they can achieve the better educational outcomes that they deserve. The reason I want to improve on this so much is because I have chronic eczema and I know how difficult it can be to be hospitalized on a regular basis and then be expected to keep up with school.

Voting for me gives a fresh perspective on the issues that are important in our community and I am dedicated to making sure voices are heard and actions are taken.

Candidate statement - Deanne Booth

Deanne Booth has been living in Canberra most of her life and part of local Aboriginal community.

Deanne is passionate to see all Aboriginal and Torres Islander people succeed in their lives

Deanne currently serves in the Yeddung Mura Aboriginal Corporation board as chairperson and brings her extensive experience of working in local Canberra Aboriginal community for the last 20 years. As part of her role, Deanne Provides advice to the Board regarding outcomes to Indigenous programs and government funding and spending. she generously volunteers her time to co-design culturally appropriate programs to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in contact with the justice system and support the Implementation of the organisations Key Community Programs.

Deanne is the founder of Khammburra Netball -created for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to compete in a yearly Netball Tournament (for prize money). Deanne raised resources from various Canberra Community who kindly donate their time, food and other gifts for fund raising. She also works very closely with the netball community, the Tuggeranong Netball Association, and the Netball Umpires Association to ensure a successful Tournament. She delegates tasks to committee members and volunteers as well advise them of the required timeline for completion.

Provide support to community members and their families participating in Yeddung Mura programs.

Deanne is currently involved in various committees for child and youth protection services and justice systems.

Deanne has won various recognition awards including NAIDOC 2017 award for her achievements in the community. Deanne is well known in the local Aboriginal community and has been always advocating for the community. She is well known to organise various community events, sports activities including netball carnivals.

Authorised by Deanne Booth, candidate for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body