Photo: David Paterson
The recipients of a new scholarship for developing the skills of Indigenous public servants to become future policy leaders have been announced in Canberra.
Launched by the Sir Roland Wilson Foundation, the Pat Turner Scholarship was developed in partnership with the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) and Charles Darwin University (CDU) and offers Indigenous PS employees the chance to complete full time postgraduate study at the Australian National University (ANU) or CDU.
Ms Pat Turner is a prominent Indigenous public servant who has actively promoted self-determination and social justice for Aboriginal people throughout a 30-year career.
The program grants scholars leave with full pay from their home agency for the duration of their studies and offers a complementary suite of development, networking and leadership opportunities.
The six recipients of the scholarships from around Australia were presented with their awards at the National Gallery of Australia by the Secretary of PM&C, Dr Martin Parkinson and Vice-Chancellor of the ANU, Professor Brian Schmidt.
The successful scholars are Craig Leon and Steve Munns of the Department of Human Services who plan to study at the ANU; Martin Dallen of the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, also ANU; PJ Bligh from the Department of the Environment & Energy, ANU; Anthony Cowley of the Department of Social Services, CDU; and Deborah Katona from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, CDU.
A former Deputy Secretary of PM&C and Chief Executive of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC), Ms Turner attended the presentation and encouraged the recipients to make the most of the rare opportunity.
“Excellence in your chosen field of study will equip you for life,” Ms Turner said
“Never settle for less.”
She said that as future leaders the scholars will contribute to nation building and help improve the lives of others.”
“As an Arrernte woman from Alice Springs I am proud to hold my head high and work to get the best outcomes for our people,” she said.
“I will be encouraging all of you to do the same. I look forward to sharing your journeys with you.”
Professor Schmidt said the ANU was extremely proud to be involved in the program.
“We know higher education provides the analytical and critical thinking skills required to develop sound public policy to address the nation’s greatest challenges,” Professor Schmidt said.
“We also know Indigenous Australians are not always afforded the same opportunities to further their education.
“The expected outcome of this program is improved public policy development led by the Pat Turner scholars.”
