The Federal Government has appointed Justin Mohamed as Australia’s inaugural Ambassador for First Nations People.
In a joint statement Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney and Senator Pat Dodson said the new position ensures, for the first time, that Australia will have dedicated Indigenous representation in international engagement.
“Justin has worked for decades in First Nations health, social justice, and reconciliation,” Ms Burney tweeted.
“I just know he’ll do great things on the world stage and help elevate First Nations voices to the world stage.”
Mr Mohamed, a Gooreng Gooreng man from Bundaberg, Queensland, is deputy secretary of Aboriginal Justice in Victoria.
His previous positions include Reconciliation Australia CEO and he has represented Indigenous organisations internationally, including at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
“I am excited about the opportunities ahead to embed First Nations voices and knowledge into Australia’s foreign policies and trade,” Mr Mohamed said.
“I am looking forward to sitting down and listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the country, as we develop foreign policies that have First Nations People’s knowledges, voice and connection to country front and centre.”
The Government said elevating the perspectives of First Nations people – this land’s first diplomats – enables deeper engagement with many of Australia’s closest partners including Pacific nations.
Mr Mohamed will lead the Office of First Nations Engagement in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
He will commence as ambassador in April.
– AAP
