AAPA farewells CEO Dr Benedict Scambary

With great sadness, the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority Board today farewelled the Authority’s long-serving chief executive officer, Dr Benedict Scambary. 

Authority Chair, Mr Bobby Nunggumajbarr said Dr Scambary’s departure is a significant loss for the Board, the Authority and for the Northern Territory.

“Dr Scambary is the Territory’s longest serving chief executive officer.  For 17 years he has worked tirelessly to ensure the sacred sites of the Northern Territory are protected, whilst supporting development,” Mr Nunggumajbarr said.

“He is highly trusted by custodians, respected by industry and has provided steady, principled leadership through times of challenge and change.  

“Under Dr Scambary, the Authority successfully managed complex developments while safeguarding sacred sites.  He strengthened the Authority’s performance and reduced processing timeframes, amid increasing demand for the Authority’s services.

“Dr Scambary was 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. 

“A very humble and respectful man, Dr Scambary has also bravely stood for sacred sites including successfully prosecuting Australia’s first case of sacred site desecration, when OM Manganese destroyed a site at Bootu Creek.  Last year the High Court also ruled unanimously in favour of the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority in the long-running battle with National Parks over the protection of sacred sites.

“During his tenure, the Authority has become the Territory’s most effective regulator.  With his record of successful prosecutions, more than 3000 issued Authority Certificates and strong engagement with all stakeholders, Dr Scambary has helped shape the independent Authority into one of the assets of the NT, supporting both Aboriginal culture and Territory growth.

“Dr Scambary leaves an enduring legacy of consultation, respect and integrity. 

“On behalf of the Board, it has been an honour to work with Dr Scambary.”

Dr Benedict Scambary said he departs with immense pride in the Authority’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.  I am incredibly grateful for the years I have spent as part of its small and dedicated team,” Dr Scambary said.

“It has been a privilege to be involved in projects across the length and breadth of the Territory, from infrastructure and housing to tourism, defence, primary industries, and of course the resources sector.  Protecting Aboriginal sacred sites is not a tick box exercise, it is part of what makes the Territory a remarkable place to live and work. 

“Sharing sacred and secret information with outsiders has never been the traditional way of caring for sites.  I recognise the enormous leap of faith custodians take in placing their cultural knowledge into the framework of western law.  I will always be deeply grateful to the past and present custodians who have trusted me, sharing their law for the benefit of future generations.   

“To all my colleagues who have supported me – thankyou. Your encouragement, generosity and friendship mean more than words can say. 

“I also extend my sincere thanks to the current AAPA Chair Bobby Nunggumajbarr, Deputy Lorraine Jones and longest serving current Board member Jenny Inmulugulu.  It has also been a great honour to work for past Board members and Chairs, some who are no longer with us, including Mr R. Hammer (dec), Mr B. Abbott (dec), Mr P. Wilyuka (dec) and Ms Miliwanga Sandy.”