National NAIDOC Male Elder of the Year

Jim Hagan

Jim Hagan’s dedication to raising awareness of the struggle for Aboriginal rights and his work to eliminate racism in Australian politics is nothing short of revolutionary.

Jim’s political career began as he secured a position on the National Aboriginal Consultative Committee. He was later elected as Chairperson of its successor, the National Aboriginal Conference (or the NAC). As Chairperson, he led the first NAC delegation to meet with Cabinet in Parliament House.

Jim was the first Indigenous Australian to address the United Nations Human Rights Commission in Geneva. This historic address launched the Nookanbah debate onto an international stage and publicised the continued political struggle for Aboriginal rights in Australia.

Jim was also involved with the Aboriginal Development Commission for sixteen years.

His influence on Australian politics continues today. This year Jim joined other Indigenous leaders in Canberra to discuss the issues faced by Indigenous people. He also remains an advisor to the Queensland Minister for Indigenous Affairs.

He is the current chairman of the Toowoomba Council of Elders and the Kullilli Traditional Owners Committee. He is also an active member of a community taskforce addressing Indigenous disadvantage in Toowoomba.

For his continued commitment to bettering the lives of Indigenous Australians by working to alleviate racism, Jim Hagan is the 2007 joint winner of the National NAIDOC Male Elder of the Year.