After 17 years at the helm, Dr Ben Scambary has left the Northern Territory’s Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority.
The chair of the AAPA – a government advisory body responsible for making decisions about whether or not a location is registered as an Aboriginal sacred site – said Dr Scambary’s departure is a significant loss for the board, the authority and for the Territory.
“He has worked tirelessly to ensure the sacred sites of the Northern Territory are protected, whilst supporting development,” Bobby Nunggumajbarr said. “He is highly trusted by custodians, respected by industry and has provided steady, principled leadership through times of challenge and change.”
Dr Benedict Scambary – the authority’s longest-serving chief executive officer – said he departs with immense pride in the AAPA’s achievements. “The authority operates at the intersection of Territory law, industry and Aboriginal cultural law, and is recognised nationally and internationally as the benchmark for balancing Aboriginal heritage and development. It has been a privilege to be involved in projects across the length and breadth of the Territory.”
Dr Scambary leaves “a lasting legacy” for the authority and the NT, Minister for Lands Joshua Burgoyne said. “I thank him for his dedicated service and the significant contribution he has made to the Northern Territory.”
Dr Scambary’s legacy includes successfully prosecuting Australia’s first case of sacred site desecration, when mining firm OM Manganese destroyed a site at Bootu Creek in the NT Tablelands. Last year, the High Court ruled unanimously in favour of the AAPA in a long-running battle with National Parks over sacred sites protection.
Dr Scambary was also instrumental in supporting numerous large-scale projects across the Territory, from the roll-out of the NBN to more recent projects like the SunCable Australia-Asia PowerLink, the Territory Energy Link and the Adelaide River Off-stream Water Storage project.
While Mr Burgoyne “acknowledges and appreciates” Dr Scambary’s service, he said: “It’s time for new energy, fresh perspectives, and a different leadership approach to ultimately position the authority to grow, succeed and play a key role in the Territory’s economic advancement.”
Dr Scambary has been replaced by Robert Pocock – who commenced the role on 30 August – who brings a wealth of experience to the role, most recently as a director of the government’s strategic Aboriginal policy and as a member of the Northern Territory Heritage Council.
“I look forward to working with Mr Pocock to continue to protect Aboriginal heritage and reduce red tape to grow the Territory’s economy,” Mr Burgoyne said.
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