Pat Turner AM, a trailblazing leader in First Nations advocacy, has announced her retirement from her roles in key Indigenous peak organisations. After decades of dedicated service, Turner leaves a legacy of leadership and commitment to the wellbeing and self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Turner’s extensive career, stating, “Pat is a formidable advocate and our nation is a better place because of her. Her tireless efforts have held governments to account, and she has worked hard to build strong working partnerships with First Nations people.”
Turner, an Arrernte and Gurdanji woman, is stepping down as the lead convenor of the Coalition of Peaks, a collective representing over 80 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations. In a statement, she expressed pride in her work, particularly in advancing the Closing the Gap agreement, which emphasizes shared decision-making and the recognition of Indigenous expertise and experiences.
The Coalition of Peaks and Closing the Gap
The Coalition of Peaks, under Turner’s leadership, played a crucial role in the negotiation and development of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. This agreement, launched in 2020, marked a significant shift in the approach of governments towards Indigenous issues, expanding beyond socio-economic targets to include structural reforms and accountability measures.
Turner served as the lead convenor since the Coalition’s formation in 2019, co-chairing the Joint Council on Closing the Gap alongside the Minister for Indigenous Australians. Her efforts have been instrumental in shifting the course for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia.
As Turner steps down, Donnella Mills, a Torres Strait Islander woman with extensive experience in Aboriginal-run organisations, will take over the lead convenor role until June 2027.
Leadership in Health and Community Advocacy
Turner’s impact extends beyond policy into the health sector, where she served as CEO of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO). Appointed in 2016, she strengthened the Aboriginal community-controlled sector, ensuring service providers had the resources and capacity to drive their own change.
“Community control works because it puts our people at the centre of decisions about our health,” Turner stated. “I leave knowing NACCHO is strong, our services are strong, and the work will continue with the same determination that has always carried us forward.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, NACCHO’s response was lauded for protecting remote communities by distributing essential information and vaccines. Turner highlighted the organisation’s role in saving countless lives, despite the challenges faced.
Dr Dawn Casey, a Tagalaka traditional owner from North Queensland and NACCHO’s deputy CEO since 2016, will succeed Turner as CEO. Dr Casey acknowledged Turner’s leadership, stating, “Pat leaves big shoes to fill, and I want to acknowledge the strength of her leadership and what she has built.”
A Trailblazer in Public Service
Turner’s career began as a switchboard operator in the Native Welfare Department in Alice Springs. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the first female community welfare officer for the Department of Aboriginal Affairs in Alice Springs in 1972. Her contributions to public service were recognized in 1990 when she was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia (AM).
Her career reached national prominence when she was appointed deputy secretary in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in 1991, overseeing the establishment of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation. In 1994, she became the first Aboriginal person and woman to serve as CEO of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC).
Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, Minister for Indigenous Australians, described Turner as a “true giant,” expressing gratitude for her decades of service. “Pat has always brought heart to her work,” Senator McCarthy said, highlighting Turner’s ability to make people feel seen, heard, and challenged.
Looking Ahead
As Turner retires, her legacy of advocacy and leadership continues to inspire future generations. Her work has laid a foundation for ongoing progress in Indigenous self-determination and community empowerment. The transition of leadership to figures like Donnella Mills and Dr Dawn Casey ensures that the momentum Turner created will carry forward, building on the reforms and partnerships she championed.
Turner’s retirement marks the end of an era, but her impact will resonate for years to come as Indigenous communities continue to strive for equality and justice in Australia.
