The Northern Land Council (NLC) has welcomed its new CEO. 

The NLC, a major Indigenous organisation in the Northern Territory, has announced significant leadership changes.

The new appointments are expected to launch a new chapter in its advocacy for land rights and the distribution of royalties from mining projects across about 200,000 square kilometres of the Top End.

Matthew Ryan, recently elected as chair, steps into his role following the November 2023 passing of former chair Samuel Bush-Blanasi. 

Ryan, with ties to Barabarra, Wurrpann, and Gurindiji communities and residing in Maningrida, brings extensive experience and dedication to the position. 

Notably serving as the mayor of the West Arnhem Regional Council, Ryan's roles in several boards, including the Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation and Aboriginal Housing NT, underline his commitment to Indigenous rights and community development.

“I am a man of words, of conversations,” Ryan says. 

“I won't be sitting down, but moving around the regions, and my door will be open to all.” 

This leadership transition occurs alongside with the departure of Joe Martin-Jard, the council's chief executive, effective immediately following the council meeting. 

The council has expressed gratitude for Martin-Jard's service, wishing him well in future endeavours, while details of his departure remain undisclosed. 

Martin-Jard, who stepped into the CEO role in December 2021 after an interim period, had been at the centre of Senate Estimates scrutiny over his relationship with an employee. 

Following questions raised by Senator Lidia Thorpe, Martin-Jard clarified; “When our relationship changed, I sought legal advice... The advice included me advising my chairman at the time to say that there had been a change in my relationship, which is what I did.”

There is no suggestion that this relationship was the reason for his departure.

More details are accessible here.