Aunty Pat Turner AO

Pat Turner AO is one of Australia’s most respected Aboriginal leaders, with more than 50 years dedicated to advancing the rights, wellbeing and self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Her distinguished career spans senior public service roles, national policy reform, advocacy and community leadership at the highest levels.

Pat made history as the first Aboriginal woman to lead a Commonwealth Government department when she was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC). In this role and others, she helped shape national approaches to Indigenous policy and governance. More recently, as Lead Convenor of the Coalition of Peaks, she has played a central role in negotiating and implementing the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, driving a landmark shift toward shared decision-making and accountability.

Beyond her formal roles, Pat has mentored generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, modelling integrity, courage and an unwavering commitment to justice. Her work has ensured Indigenous voices remain central in national conversations and has delivered lasting, practical outcomes for communities across Australia.

As she enters retirement, Pat Turner AO leaves a legacy of transformational leadership, lifelong service and enduring impact.